New York police are actively investigating the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 50-year-old executive was shot outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning.
The Shooting and Suspect’s Escape
The shooting occurred at around 6:45 AM EST near Times Square and Central Park. Thompson was scheduled to speak at an investor conference later that day. Witnesses say the suspect, wearing a black face mask and a cream-colored jacket, waited near the Hilton for about five minutes before the attack.
As Thompson approached on foot, the gunman shot him in the back and leg. Despite attempts to save him, Thompson was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later at a local hospital.
Authorities revealed that the suspect’s firearm briefly jammed during the attack but was quickly fixed. Surveillance footage also shows the gunman using a pistol equipped with a silencer. Initial reports suggested the suspect used a Citi Bike to escape, but Lyft, the owner of Citi Bike, later confirmed that no such bike was involved. Instead, the attacker fled on foot.
Clues and Investigation Progress
The NYPD is using facial recognition software and evidence left at the scene to identify the killer. The suspect was caught on camera at a nearby Starbucks minutes before the shooting. Though masked, parts of his face were visible, aiding the facial recognition process.
Police are also analyzing three bullet casings and live rounds found at the scene. The casings were inscribed with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” Additionally, investigators recovered a mobile phone along the suspect’s escape route and are working to extract data from it. Thompson’s room at a nearby Marriott hotel is also being searched for clues.
Motive Remains Unclear
No motive has been identified yet. The attacker fled without taking any of Thompson’s belongings, suggesting a targeted and pre-planned attack.
Thompson’s wife mentioned previous threats against him but could not provide details. In 2018, police investigated a suspicious incident at Thompson’s home in Minnesota but found no criminal activity.
Thompson, who became UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021, had led the company through significant financial successes. The circumstances of his murder remain shrouded in mystery as police continue their investigation.
