UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, was ambushed and fatally shot in a targeted attack on a Manhattan sidewalk.
The gunman, masked and elusive, left behind cryptic engravings on the bullets used in the crime, leading investigators to focus on the mysterious message.
The words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” were found engraved on the live rounds and shell casings discovered at the scene, according to a report by the New York Post.
Thompson, 50, was walking to a company investor conference at a Midtown Hilton hotel early Wednesday morning when he was ambushed. The attack took place near major landmarks, including Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.
After the shooting, the gunman fled into Central Park and remains at large.
Surveillance footage from the area indicated the gunman was well-versed in handling firearms. The report stated that the shooter had used a silencer and displayed advanced skills, quickly clearing a firearm malfunction before continuing to fire as Thompson, injured, attempted to crawl away. “The calculated and methodical manner of the attack points to a skilled gunman,” the report noted.
Police have found several discarded items that could offer vital clues, including a coffee cup, a water bottle, and two PowerBars from a Starbucks near the scene.
These were discarded by the suspect, and authorities have retrieved them as potential evidence. Additionally, a cellphone was discovered in a nearby alley, possibly belonging to the shooter.
Despite extensive searches involving drones, helicopters, and search dogs, the suspect has not been located.
New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch, confirmed the attack was deliberate, saying, “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny added, “The video suggests he is proficient with firearms, evidenced by how quickly he cleared the malfunctions.”
The police have released images of the suspect, who was wearing a hooded jacket and a mask that covered most of his face, typical for a cold winter day. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Though the motive is still unclear, Thompson’s wife, Paulette, revealed to NBC News that her husband had mentioned receiving threats, potentially linked to insurance coverage disputes.
However, police officials, including Eric Werner, chief of police in Thompson’s hometown near Minneapolis, stated that no formal threats had been reported before the shooting.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities interviewing Thompson’s colleagues, examining his hotel room, and reviewing his social media profiles for any possible leads. While the gunman’s initial escape was believed to involve a CitiBike, Lyft, the bike-share program operator, later clarified that the bike was not part of their fleet.
In a statement, UnitedHealth Group expressed its sadness, stating, “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for patience and understanding during this difficult time.”
The company’s annual investor conference was promptly cut short after the tragedy.
Thompson, who had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare for over three years, was a father of two.
He joined the company in 2004, and under his leadership, UnitedHealthcare became the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S.
