Details Emerge in the Targeted Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
New York police have released additional information regarding the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. Investigators believe the killing was premeditated, with the attacker waiting outside the hotel for at least five minutes before the shooting.
How the Incident Unfolded
The shooting occurred at approximately 6:45 AM EST in a bustling area near Times Square and Central Park. Thompson, who was scheduled to speak at an investor conference later that day, arrived on foot when the suspect, dressed in a black face mask and a light brown or cream-colored jacket, ambushed him.
Thompson was struck in the back and leg and succumbed to his injuries about 30 minutes later at a local hospital.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the assailant’s firearm initially jammed but was quickly cleared, allowing the shooter to continue firing. The gunman used a suppressor, or silencer, on the weapon—a rare and unsettling detail noted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD officer, who remarked, “I have never seen a silencer before. That was really something shocking to us all.”
Weapon and Investigation
The firearm is believed to be a BT Station Six 9, a pistol with ties to World War II-era Allied special operations weaponry. Police are working to trace the origins of the gun, visiting gun stores in Connecticut as part of the investigation.
Here’s what we know about the suspect and the investigation.
Escape and Misreported Details
Initially, officials stated that the suspect fled the scene using an electric Citi Bike operated by Lyft. However, Lyft later clarified that it had been informed by the NYPD that none of its vehicles were used in the escape. Surveillance footage instead shows the gunman fleeing the scene on foot.
The killing has left investigators puzzled, especially given the precision and planning involved. The use of a suppressor and the weapon’s unique profile have raised questions about the attacker’s intent and background. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying the suspect.
Ongoing Investigation into the Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
New details have emerged in the investigation into the targeted killing of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, as law enforcement works to identify the suspect and uncover a motive behind the shocking crime.
Key Clues and Progress
Images and Identification Efforts
- Photos Released: Two images of an unmasked man described as “wanted for questioning” were released.
- Hostel Registration: Investigators believe this individual used a fake ID to check into a nearby hostel. The name on the ID is fraudulent, further complicating identification efforts.
- Travel Details: The person of interest reportedly traveled to New York on a bus originating in Atlanta, Georgia. It remains unclear whether he boarded in Atlanta or at a later stop.
Surveillance and Facial Recognition
- Starbucks Sighting: Minutes before the shooting, the suspect was photographed at a Starbucks. Though masked, the image reveals parts of his nose and eyes, which are being analyzed using facial recognition software.
- Additional Footage: Surveillance footage captured the suspect outside a location in Manhattan’s Upper West Side around 5:00 AM on the morning of the crime, near the Frederick Douglass housing project.
Physical Evidence
- Bullet Casings: At the scene, three bullet casings and three live rounds were recovered. Cryptic words—“deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—were inscribed on the casings, potentially referencing the “three D’s of insurance,” a term associated with tactics used by the insurance industry to delay or deny claims.
- Other Items Recovered:
- A mobile phone discarded along the escape route is being analyzed.
- A coffee cup believed to have been used by the suspect has been sent to a crime lab for fingerprint testing.
- Thompson’s hotel room at the nearby Marriott has also been searched for additional leads.
Connection to Insurance Criticism
The inscriptions on the bullet casings align with a critical view of the insurance industry, echoing themes from the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It by Rutgers professor Jay Feinman, who declined to comment.
Thompson’s Background and Potential Threats
Thompson joined UnitedHealthcare in 2004, rising to CEO in 2021, leading the company through profitable yet controversial years. His wife revealed that Thompson had previously mentioned receiving threats, although she was unable to provide details.
In 2018, a suspicious incident occurred at his home in Maple Grove, Minnesota, but police found no criminal activity.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Police continue to piece together evidence:
- Testing DNA from the bullet casings and fingerprints from the coffee cup.
- Tracing the suspect’s movements and connections through digital and physical surveillance.
- Analyzing the mobile phone found near the crime scene for additional clues.
Impact
The killing has left a deep impact on the insurance and healthcare industries, raising questions about the risks faced by executives in controversial sectors. As authorities work to unravel the mystery, the case has highlighted the intersections of corporate practices, public frustration, and violent retribution.
