Police are using facial recognition software and other clues to track down the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The attacker fled without taking any of Thompson’s belongings, suggesting a pre-planned killing. A surveillance image from a Starbucks near the scene is central to the investigation.
How Did the Shooting and Escape Happen?
The shooting occurred around 06:45 EST (11:45 GMT) in a busy area near Times Square and Central Park. Thompson, scheduled to speak at an investor conference, was shot while walking to the Hilton hotel.
The suspect, wearing a black face mask and a cream-colored jacket, reportedly waited for five minutes outside the hotel. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed the gun malfunctioned but was quickly fixed. Thompson was shot in the back and leg, dying about 30 minutes later at a local hospital.
CCTV footage shows the gunman fleeing on foot. Police initially believed he used a Citi Bike, but Lyft, which operates Citi Bike, later clarified none of their bikes were involved.
Investigation Progress
Investigators are using several clues to identify the suspect. A photo taken at a Starbucks minutes before the shooting shows the masked suspect. Police say his partially visible face is aiding facial recognition analysis.
They are also testing three bullet casings and live rounds found at the scene for DNA. The casings bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” according to reports.
Additionally, police recovered a mobile phone along the suspect’s escape route and are examining its contents. Thompson’s nearby Marriott hotel room is also being searched for potential evidence.
Motive Remains Unclear
Thompson joined UnitedHealth in 2004 and became CEO in 2021, overseeing significant company growth.
Investigators have not identified a motive, though Thompson’s wife mentioned he had received threats earlier. She couldn’t provide specific details about the threats.
Police in Maple Grove, Minnesota, noted a suspicious incident at Thompson’s home in 2018, but no criminal activity was found. The case remains unsolved as investigators continue pursuing leads.
