NEW YORK — The investigation into the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues as police work to gather more information about the suspect who may have left New York after the incident.
Thompson was killed in a premeditated attack outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4.
The shooter approached Thompson from behind, fired multiple shots, and fled the scene on a bicycle.
The suspect remains unidentified, and law enforcement agencies are actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating him.
Authorities have released images of the suspect captured on surveillance cameras.
The suspect was seen near the Hilton hotel shortly before the shooting and later on a bike heading toward Central Park.
Police have also discovered additional clues at the scene, including a discarded cellphone, a candy wrapper, and a water bottle. These items were found near where the gunman waited for his target.
Investigators hope to extract DNA evidence from these objects to identify the shooter.
The suspect reportedly arrived in New York City on November 24, ten days before the incident.
He traveled from Washington, D.C., on a Greyhound bus and checked into a hostel using a false New Jersey ID. Surveillance footage shows the suspect without a face mask, a critical piece of evidence obtained after he briefly removed it at the hostel check-in desk.
Detectives are exploring whether the attack was related to Thompson’s professional role or personal matters.
Thompson, who was in New York for an investor conference, had reportedly received threats in the past. However, he was not under any security protection at the time of the shooting.
In a statement from UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, officials expressed their shock and deep sorrow over Thompson’s tragic death. They conveyed their commitment to cooperating fully with the police investigation and extended their condolences to Thompson’s family and friends.
The police have also found shell casings at the crime scene with words like “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” inscribed on them, suggesting a possible message from the shooter.
Detectives are working to determine the significance of these inscriptions and whether they provide any clues about the motive behind the attack.
The investigation remains active, with a $10,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. The New York City Police Department encourages anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers.