At a glance:
- Police believe the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson arrived in New York from Atlanta by bus on November 24.
- The gunman used a fake New Jersey license to check into an Upper West Side hostel days before the shooting.
- Authorities are pursuing multiple leads, including surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and cryptic messages written on bullet casings at the scene.
Police in New York are intensifying their search for the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Authorities say the gunman, who is yet to be identified, arrived in New York City from Atlanta by bus on November 24 and stayed in a hostel on the Upper West Side before carrying out what officials describe as a “brazen, targeted attack.”
A Calculated Arrival
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal and later checked into the HI New York City Hostel using a fake New Jersey driver’s license. Surveillance footage and hostel records show him interacting with staff, including an instance where he removed his mask to smile at a receptionist who asked to see his face.
Police say the suspect shared a room on the fourth floor of the hostel and was seen loitering near the Frederick Douglass housing project early on the morning of the shooting.
The Shooting
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot at close range outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel at 6:45 a.m. on December 4. The UnitedHealthcare CEO, in town for an investor conference, was approached from behind and shot multiple times, including in the back and leg.
Police say the gunman’s weapon, a rare B&T Station Six pistol equipped with a suppressor, jammed during the attack. Surveillance footage captured the suspect clearing the jam before resuming fire. After the shooting, he fled on foot before switching to an e-bike near Central Park.
CCTV footage later showed the suspect exiting Central Park at West 85th Street just minutes after the attack.
Cryptic Messages on Bullet Casings
At the crime scene, investigators discovered bullet casings marked with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” Authorities believe these messages could reference the “three D’s of insurance,” a critique of tactics used by insurance companies to deny or delay claims.
The discovery has led investigators to explore whether the shooter had a grudge against UnitedHealthcare or Thompson personally. Police are reviewing records of disputes and threats made against the company and its CEO.
Leads and Evidence
Investigators have collected DNA evidence, including a water bottle, candy wrapper, and Starbucks coffee cup believed to belong to the suspect. Surveillance footage shows the suspect visiting the Starbucks near the Hilton just before the shooting.
A cellphone found along the escape route is also being examined under a search warrant.
Additionally, police have traced recent purchases of B&T Station Six pistols to determine how the suspect obtained the rare weapon.
Thompson’s Background and Threats
Brian Thompson had led UnitedHealthcare, the largest private insurer in the U.S., since 2021, steering the company through profitable years.
In an interview with MSNBC, Thompson’s wife revealed that he had received threats in the past but did not share specific details. Police in his hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota, confirmed a suspicious incident at his home in 2018, though no criminal activity was found.
Ongoing Investigation
The NYPD has released clear surveillance images of the suspect, showing him both masked and unmasked. Officials are confident the photos will help identify him.
A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest, as police continue to piece together the suspect’s movements and motive.
Thompson’s death has sent shockwaves through the corporate and healthcare sectors, with the investigation now focusing on uncovering the truth behind this meticulously planned killing.