The Chilling Murder Of Brian Thompson. What We Know About The CEO’s Death And The Mystery Suspect On The Run

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in a brazen attack early Wednesday morning near the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The brutal killing has left the healthcare and corporate world in disbelief, with investigators scrambling to piece together the motive behind what police are calling a “targeted” act.

A Chilling Morning in Midtown

It was just another day for Thompson, dressed sharply in a suit and tie, heading towards an investor meeting. But at 6:40 a.m., his life was cut short. Surveillance footage shows a gunman lying in wait, emerging from behind a parked car, and firing multiple shots at Thompson’s back.

The calculated nature of the attack and the gunman’s calm demeanor suggest this was no random act.
Despite immediate medical attention, Thompson succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His death has not only rocked New York City but also reverberated across the healthcare sector, where he was a respected figure.

Threats and a Murky Past

What could have led to this horrific event?

Thompson’s wife, Paulette, in a tearful interview hinted at past threats. “He told me there were some people that had been threatening him,” she said, though she lacked specific details. Could these threats have stemmed from his position in the insurance industry? Speculation is rife, but concrete answers are few.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first sign of trouble for Thompson. In 2018, there was a suspicious incident at his Maple Grove, Minnesota home. Though no criminal activity was found, it raises questions about whether there’s a deeper narrative unfolding.

A Devastating Loss for the Healthcare Sector

Thompson was more than just a CEO; he was a pillar of the healthcare community. Having been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and taking the helm as CEO in 2021, his leadership impacted 148 million people across the U.S. and South America. His colleagues described him as a “respected colleague and friend,” with UnitedHealth Group expressing deep shock and sadness.

Political leaders also mourned his loss. New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the attack as a “horrific and targeted shooting,” while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called it a “terrible loss for the business and healthcare community.”

The Suspect. A Phantom in the City

The suspect, described as a white male carrying a grey backpack, was last seen fleeing the scene on an e-bike through Central Park. The NYPD has released surveillance images, hoping the public can help identify the shooter.

Described by NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny as “proficient in firearms,” the gunman’s cold precision has left authorities and onlookers disturbed.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams reassured the public: “We will apprehend that individual.” A $10,000 reward is now on the table for anyone with information leading to the shooter’s arrest.

Still, the chilling murder of Brian Thompson has left investigators with more questions than answers.

Despite surveillance footage showing the shooter’s every move, the mystery surrounding the suspect continues to deepen. As authorities close in on the gunman, details are emerging that paint a picture of a premeditated and carefully executed attack, but the motive remains elusive.
Here’s everything we know so far about the suspect on the run and the investigation into Thompson’s tragic death.

A Calculated Attack

Around 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Brian Thompson was gunned down outside the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Video footage from the scene shows the shooter approaching Thompson from behind, aiming a firearm at his chest, and firing multiple shots. Witnesses reported seeing Thompson stumble and fall before the gunman stepped closer and fired again.

The suspect then fled the scene without taking any of Thompson’s belongings. Police revealed that the gunman had arrived at the scene about five minutes before Thompson, waiting for the CEO to appear. The fact that the shooter seemed to know Thompson’s exact schedule raises further questions about the motive behind the attack.

Writing on the Shell Casings, A Message from the Shooter?

In what has only added to the intrigue, detectives discovered strange writing on the shell casings found at the crime scene. The words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were visible, leading investigators to wonder if these were intended as a message or perhaps a clue about the gunman’s motive. Authorities are working to decipher whether the markings are linked to Thompson personally, his work at UnitedHealthcare, or something else entirely.

What Was Left Behind, Cellphone, Candy Wrapper, and More

After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot into an alley, where law enforcement discovered a cellphone, a water bottle, and a candy wrapper. Investigators believe these items are connected to the shooter and are actively working to retrieve data from the phone, which may provide crucial information about his identity and movements. The FBI, known for its advanced cellphone data extraction capabilities, is assisting in this effort.

The suspect was later seen riding an e-bike through Central Park, where authorities continue to track his movements. He was described as wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, and distinctive black-and-white sneakers, with a gray backpack that could hold further clues about his identity.

Early Sightings: A Familiar Face?

Adding to the mystery, sources have reported that the shooter was seen earlier in the morning, walking near the Frederick Douglass Houses on the Upper West Side at 5 a.m. This suggests the gunman may have been casing the area or preparing for the attack long before Thompson’s arrival. Detectives are piecing together his timeline in hopes of identifying him and uncovering his motives.

Was the Killer a Professional?

Despite the chilling precision of the attack, law enforcement sources believe the suspect may not be a professional killer. They note that there were several “mistakes” made, such as the fact that the shooter was carrying a cellphone—a move hitmen typically avoid. Additionally, the shots were fired from a distance that would be considered too far for a professional assassin. This has led investigators to consider whether the killing was personal, possibly stemming from Thompson’s role as a high-profile insurance executive, or whether the gunman had some other vendetta.

The Investigation Continues. Was Brian Thompson Targeted?

As of now, the investigation is focused on uncovering whether Thompson was targeted because of his personal life or his work in the healthcare industry. Detectives are interviewing Thompson’s family and colleagues to learn more about any threats he may have received.

With the public on edge and the suspect still at large, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The NYPD is working with the U.S. Marshals and FBI to track down the gunman and bring him to justice.

The motive behind this calculated attack remains unclear, but authorities are determined to uncover the truth. As the manhunt for the gunman continues, the public waits for answers, hoping that justice will be served for Brian Thompson and his loved ones.