NYPD focuses on suspect in murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

NYPD focuses on suspect in murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Authorities make significant progress in identifying suspect responsible for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompsonwho was shot and killed Wednesday in a targeted attack in Midtown Manhattan.

On Thursday, the New York Police Department released surveillance footage of the suspected shooter captured at the HI New York City Hostel on West 103rd Street. According to police sources, the suspect shared a room with two other men at the house. Investigators obtained a warrant to search the premises and are searching other nearby homes and locations with the suspect's photo in hand.

The brazen attack took place just outside a Hilton hotel where Brian Thompson50 years old, attended an investors conference. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the incident a “premeditated” and “targeted” attack.

Evidence points to a carefully planned crime

The suspect was reportedly lying in wait outside the hotel before setting up an ambush. Brian Thompson around 6:40 a.m., police revealed that Thompsonwho was leaving a hotel across the street, was shot at point blank range as he walked towards the Hilton.

“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues shooting,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said during a press briefing. “It appears the gun is malfunctioning, as he clears the jam and starts shooting again.”

Bullet casings recovered from the scene bore the chilling words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” Although the motive for the murder remains unclear, police consider it a calculated assassination.

The weapon allegedly used, a B&T Station Six pistol, is highly specialized and known for its ability to fire near-silent shots. Law enforcement sources noted that this particular firearm is difficult to obtain, leading detectives to investigate recent purchases. On Thursday, NYPD officers visited a gun store in Connecticut linked to the sale of a similar weapon.

Follow the suspect's escape

After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on foot, then got an electric bike and headed toward Central Park. Surveillance footage captured the masked gunman carrying what appeared to be an electric bike battery near the Frederick Douglass Houses on the Upper West Side around 5 a.m. Wednesday, hours before the attack.

At the crime scene, investigators recovered a water bottle and a candy wrapper that they believe belonged to the suspect. These items are subject to fingerprint and DNA testing, according to law enforcement.

Detectives also recovered a phone linked to the suspect in an alley near the scene of the shooting. The authorities believe that the precise knowledge of the suspect at Thompson the timing suggests careful premeditation.

Thompson's family speaks out

In the aftermath of the tragedy, at Thompson wife, Paulette Thompsonreleased an emotional statement mourning the death of her husband.

“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous and talented man who lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” she said. “Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and he will be greatly missed.”

Thompsonwho was in New York for a UnitedHealthcare investor conference scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday, leaves behind a legacy as a respected leader in the healthcare industry.

NYPD Call for Public Assistance

As the investigation continues, the NYPD is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Members of the public can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

With more and more evidence and leads, investigators hope the suspect will be brought to justice soon. In the meantime, at Thompson Family and colleagues must mourn the loss of a man remembered as a dedicated and loving professional father.

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