Authorities are intensifying the search for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, murdered in New York City on Wednesday. Thompson, who had served as CEO since 2019 and worked with UnitedHealthcare since 2004, was fatally shot outside the Hilton Midtown hotel around 7 a.m.
The insurance executive was on his way to his company’s annual conference when the attack occurred. Investigators believe the killing was targeted but have yet to determine the gunman’s identity.
Clues and Leads in the Investigation
The suspect was last seen riding an electric bike into Central Park after the shooting. Police suspect he arrived in New York last month on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta. A phone, a water bottle, and a protein bar wrapper recovered from a nearby square are being examined for evidence.
On Thursday, the NYPD released a photo of a “person of interest,” smiling without a mask at a Manhattan hostel. Witnesses reported the man usually kept his face covered and used a fake New Jersey ID to check in.
Authorities also found cryptic notes on ammunition at the crime scene, with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” These phrases mirror criticisms of health insurers accused of delaying or avoiding payouts.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC that her husband had recently received threats, adding further mystery to the case. Investigators are piecing together the suspect’s movements and motive while urging the public to provide any information.