A suspect is at large in what police called the “brazen” targeted attack of Brian Thompson, the CEO of major insurance group UnitedHealthcare, who was fatally shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Wednesday before an investor conference.
The masked gunman appeared to be lurking outside the Hilton hotel in what police said was a “premeditated” attack. The gunman arrived on the scene about five minutes before Thompson before shooting the victim in the chest around 6:40 a.m., police said.
MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot dead in Midtown Manhattan, masked gunman at large
Video captured the moment the gunman walked up behind the CEO, pointed his gun at him and fired. A witness fled when Thompson tripped and fell to the ground. The gunman then walked closer to Thompson and fired several more times before fleeing.
PHOTO: Police have released photos of a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD)
The evidence recovered includes a cell phone, a water bottle and a candy wrapper
According to NYPD Chief Joseph Kenny, the suspect fled on foot into an alley, where a phone was recovered. He then fled on an e-bike and was last seen entering Central Park at 6:48 a.m., police said.
Police released photos showing the suspect with a firearm and on a bicycle. They also released photos of the suspect wearing a mask at an undisclosed location. Police said he was wearing a tan or cream jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a “very distinctive” gray backpack.
PHOTO: Police have released photos of a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD)
PHOTO: Police have released photos of a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD)
Detectives also recovered a water bottle and a candy wrapper from the area where he was apparently waiting, law enforcement sources said. After analysis, NYPD investigators believe the cellphone, candy wrapper and water bottle are linked to the shooter, police sources said.
At the same time, NYPD detectives are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to track down the shooter and with the FBI, which has the most advanced technology to extract useful cellphone data, sources said.
The victim's hotel room has already been entered by investigators, whose top priority is determining Thompson's most recent conversations and movements, sources said.
PHOTO: Police investigators at the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in an apparent targeted attack while on his way to attend UnitedHealthcare's annual investor conference in New York, December 4, 2024. (Justin Lane/EPA via Shutterstock)
Professional killer seems unlikely
The working theory among investigators right now is that the shooting was carried out by someone who is not a professional killer because too many “mistakes” were made, sources said. Hitmen typically do not carry cellphones to reach their targets and the shots were fired from a distance that would be considered “too far” from the victim, the sources said.
At this time, investigators are trying to determine whether Thompson was targeted because of a personal conflict or as a result of his work as an insurance executive, sources said. The killer was apparently aware of Thompson's schedule for Wednesday and the fact that he would arrive at the Hilton well before the company meeting was scheduled to begin, the sources said.
Police are questioning Thompson's coworkers and family about possible specific threats, Kenny said.
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What we know about the victim
Thompson, 50, was in New York City for UnitedHealthcare's investor conference, which was set to start at 8 a.m. The conference was held at the Hilton outside of which he was shot, but he did not stay there, police said.
UnitedHealthcare's parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the world's largest health insurer, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson.”
PHOTO: This undated photo from UnitedHealth Group shows Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. (UnitedHealth Group via AP)
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our thoughts go out to Brian's family and everyone who was close to him.”
Police urge the public to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS with any information. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
Who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson? What we know about the fugitive suspect originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
