The manhunt for the suspect in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson intensifies as authorities believe the killer has fled New York City.
Here’s all the latest information we have.
At a Glance
- UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City
- The suspect used a silenced weapon and left messages on shell casings
- Authorities believe the suspect has fled NYC via the Port Authority bus terminal
- A combined $60,000 reward is offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest
- The investigation continues with DNA analysis and surveillance footage review
A Targeted Assassination Shocks Manhattan
The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sent both the medical insurance industry and federal authorities into a frenzy, and while the shooter remains on the rung, authorities believe they have cracked his identity. The shooting, which took place in New York City, is believed to be a premeditated and targeted attack. The gunman used a silenced weapon, possibly a veterinary pistol, leaving behind shell casings with ominous messages written on them.
Investigators found shell casings at the scene with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” inscribed on them, adding a chilling dimension to the crime. The suspect’s meticulous planning and execution of the attack have raised concerns about the safety of high-profile executives and the need for enhanced security measures.
Despite knowing the shooter’s name, however, authorities say they aren’t releasing it to the public as they want to maintain the upper hand.
The Suspect’s Escape and Investigation Challenges
New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny provided insight into the suspect’s movements after the shooting.
“It’s a very busy bus terminal. We want to make sure we have the right bus, but we’re working through that right now. It’s all new information,” New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.
The suspect was seen on video fleeing the scene on a bicycle and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal. Authorities now have reason to believe that the person of interest may have left New York City via the Port Authority bus terminal, complicating the search efforts.
Clues and Evidence
Investigators are working tirelessly to piece together the puzzle of this high-profile case. A backpack belonging to the gunman was found in Central Park, providing potential evidence. Curiously, the backpack was found to contain large quantities of Monopoly money.
DNA analysis is being conducted on a water bottle and protein bar wrapper found along the escape route. Photos of the suspect without a mask, taken at a hostel lobby, have given authorities a clearer image of the individual they are seeking.
“From every indication we have from witnesses, from the Starbucks, from the hostel, he kept his mask on at all times except for the one instance where we have him photographed with the mask off,” Kenny said.
The suspect’s movements prior to the shooting have been partially traced. They arrived in NYC on a bus from Atlanta and stayed at a hostel near Columbia University, possibly using a fake ID. The individual was seen exiting a subway station and visiting a Starbucks before the shooting, providing investigators with a timeline of events.
Ongoing Investigation and Rewards
The FBI and other organizations have offered a combined $60,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. This substantial reward underscores the urgency and importance of apprehending the individual responsible for this brazen act of violence.
As the investigation continues, authorities are analyzing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and following up on leads.
If you know anything, you know what to do.
