Thompson was shot to death at point-blank range in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning before he was set to attend an investor conference, according to police.
The masked gunman, who remains on the loose, carried out a “brazen, targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.
The shooter appeared to be lying in wait at the hotel where he shot Thompson around 6:40 a.m., police said.
Video captured the moment the gunman walked up behind the CEO, pointed his gun at him and fired.
UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the world, said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson.”
NEW YORK — Late Wednesday night, police sources told ABC News that detectives had found the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” on shell casings recovered from the scene of the shooting death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a major insurance group.
Prior to attending an investor conference on Wednesday morning, Thompson was shot dead at close range in Midtown Manhattan, police said.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the masked shooter, who is still at large, carried out a “brazen, targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” in a press conference. However, authorities said the motive is still unknown.
Investigating whether the words were intended as a message from the shooter or as a clue to his motivation is a task for NYPD detectives.
At approximately 6:40 a.m., the shooter was seen lying in wait at the hotel where he shot Thompson. A. said the police.
The CEO was filmed as the shooter approached from behind, aimed his weapon at him, and fired. As Thompson stumbled and fell to the ground, a witness ran away. After approaching Thompson, the shooter fired a few more shots before running away.
At five in the morning, the shooter was captured on camera. M. sources told ABC News that the shooting occurred outside the Upper West Side public housing complex known as Frederick Douglass Houses on the morning of the incident.
The suspect was seen carrying what looks to be an e-bike battery when he was captured on camera at Frederick Douglass Houses.
Police in New York City are working to determine the shooting’s motive and think it might have been motivated by resentment toward the insurance provider.
Paulette Thompson, Thompson’s wife, expressed her shock at the “senseless killing” in a statement. “.”.
She said that Brian was a very talented, kind, and loving man who lived life to the fullest and had a profound impact on many people. Most importantly, our two sons will miss Brian a lot because he was an extremely loving father. “..”.
The 50-year-old Thompson was in New York City for the UnitedHealthcare investors conference, which was set to begin at 8 a.m. A. and police sources claimed that everyone was aware of his schedule.
According to police, he was not staying at the Hilton where he was shot, but the conference was being held there. The hotel is located where Sixth Avenue and West 54th Street converge.
At the news conference, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that the shooter had reached the scene approximately five minutes prior to Thompson’s arrival.
Tisch stated, “The suspect was passed by, but he seemed to wait for his intended target.”.
The shooter entered the sidewalk from behind a car and shot the CEO in the back after Thompson left his hotel across the street and made his way to the Hilton for the conference, according to Kenny.
After that, the shooter approaches the victim and keeps shooting. He cleared the jam and started shooting again, suggesting that the gun was malfunctioning,” he said.
According to Kenny, the suspect fled on foot into an alley, where a phone was found. He then took off on a bike, and at 6:48 a.m., he was last seen riding into Central Park. A. Police said.
Investigators are conducting tests to see if there are any usable fingerprints or DNA after police believe a water bottle and candy wrapper found close to the shooting scene are connected to the shooter, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Sources stated that investigators do not think the shooter is a professional killer.
According to the sources, the FBI is assisting with the investigation because it has the most advanced technology for recovering useful data from cellphones.
Monday was Thompson’s arrival in New York. Thompson’s family and coworkers are being questioned by police regarding any possible specific threats, according to Kenny.
Thompson didn’t seem to have a security detail and left his hotel alone, according to the police.
Investigators have already gained access to the victim’s hotel room, and according to sources, their main goal is to ascertain Thompson’s most recent conversations and whereabouts.
UnitedHealth Group, the world’s largest health insurer and the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, released a statement saying, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson. “..”.
According to the company, “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.”. “We are requesting your understanding and patience during this trying time as we work closely with the New York Police Department. We send our condolences to Brian’s family and everyone who knew him well. “..”.
The company is based in Minnesota, where Thompson lived.
“This is terrible news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and health care community,” said Minnesota Governor J. Twitter was used by Tim Walz. “The UnitedHealthcare team and Brian’s family are in our thoughts and prayers in Minnesota. “,”.
Police ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
This story is still in progress. For updates, kindly return later.
This report was written by Josh Margolin and Mark Crudele of ABC News.
