Police have released new images of a “person of interest” following the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York.
Mr. Thompson was killed in a targeted ambush early Wednesday morning while walking from his midtown hotel to the company’s annual investor conference, just steps from major landmarks like Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.
The gunman remains at large, and the motive for the attack is still unknown. New York City police confirmed that evidence strongly suggests it was a premeditated act. Notably, the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were inscribed on the bullets used in the attack—phrases often associated with criticisms of the insurance industry, according to two law enforcement officials.
Investigators believe the suspect traveled to New York by bus days before the shooting. Authorities are collecting data from Greyhound bus services to trace the suspect’s movements and confirm whether he purchased a ticket to New York in late November. Police are also analysing a mobile phone recovered near a pedestrian plaza where the gunman was seen fleeing, reports the Mirror.
The newly released images show an unmasked man smiling in the lobby of a Manhattan hostel. Earlier surveillance footage captured the moment the suspect shot Mr. Thompson in the back. Investigators suspect the man used a fake New Jersey ID to check into the hostel. Staff recalled a guest who frequently wore a mask and a jacket resembling the one seen in the surveillance footage released after the killing.
In a statement, Mr. Thompson’s family described him as an “incredibly loving, generous, and talented man,” expressing their devastation over his death. A spokesperson for United Healthcare said: “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support during this time, even as we grieve this senseless loss.”
The NYPD h as offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. A department statement emphasised that this was not a random act, describing the attack as deliberate and carefully planned. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
What happened on the day of the shooting?
Here’s a timeline of the shooting on Wednesday:
- 6.44am: Brian Thompson is seen walking alone towards the New York Hilton. He is fired at by a masked gunman in the street approximately 20 feet away. The man appears to be using a silenced weapon.
- Shortly afterwards, the shooter flees to an alleyway between 54th and 55th street. He rides an electric bike after reaching West 55th street, and is seen riding north towards Central Park.
- 6.48am: The gunman rides the bike into Central Drive, a road leading through the park.
- 7.12am: Brian Thompson is pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
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