The New York Police Department (NYPD) on Saturday released two new photos of a suspect wanted in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot and killed in a targeted attack in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning.
The newly released photos, captured from inside a taxi and nearby security cameras, show the man wearing a blue medical mask, a black hoodie, and a dark puffer jacket with the hood up. Investigators believe the gunman may have fled New York City following the shooting.
🚨UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4.
The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the public’s help—if you have any information about this case, call the… https://t.co/U4wlUquumf pic.twitter.com/243V0tBZOr
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 8, 2024
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot at least twice—once in the back and once in the right calf—outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel as he walked to UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference, where he was scheduled to speak. NYPD officials, including Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, described the attack as “premeditated, preplanned, and targeted,” but the motive remains unclear.
Shell casings recovered at the scene had the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” etched onto them, phrases often associated with the insurance industry. Authorities are investigating whether the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee, client, or someone with grievances against UnitedHealthcare.
NYPD reported significant developments in the case since the incident happened, including the discovery of a distinctive gray backpack near Central Park, which is believed to have belonged to the suspect. According to multiple law enforcement sources, the bag contained a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money but no weapon.
They also obtained video footage that shows the suspect fleeing the scene on a bicycle, riding into Central Park, and later taking a taxi to the Port Authority bus terminal.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: New surveillance video shows the “person of interest” in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO riding around on a bike, heading toward the park
PHOTOS HERE: https://t.co/YCTWtTVmOs pic.twitter.com/JG9FGQ56Ch
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) December 7, 2024
Authorities believe he may have boarded a bus to Atlanta after the attack. Officials are now working with Greyhound and Atlanta police to identify the suspect’s movements, including a potential bus trip to New York City on November 24.
Additional evidence includes a cellphone found near the escape route and a water bottle and protein bar wrapper tested for DNA. Forensic analysis of these items is ongoing.
According to the NYPD, the suspect stayed at a hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side prior to the attack. Investigators are now working to determine whether he paid in cash and used a false ID to rent the room.
A combined reward of $60,000 is being offered by the FBI, NYPD, and Crime Stoppers for information leading to the gunman’s arrest.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday that the “net is tightening” around the suspect, and the NYPD remains confident in their ability to solve the case. “We’re painstakingly going through every bit of evidence,” Chief Kenny said. “We will ensure justice for Brian Thompson and closure for his family.”
