New York Police launch new pictures of gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO in Manhattan

An undated New York Metropolis Police Division (NYPD) handout picture obtained by Reuters on December 5, 2024, reveals a person needed for questioning in reference to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in an unknown location.
| Photograph Credit score: NYPD/Handout by way of Reuters

The masked gunman who stalked and killed the top of one of many largest U.S. well being insurers had the phrases “deny,” “defend” and “depose” emblazoned on his ammunition, echoing a phrase utilized by trade critics, two legislation enforcement officers mentioned Thursday.

The phrases have been written in everlasting marker, in line with one of many officers, who weren’t authorised to publicly focus on particulars of the investigation into the taking pictures early Wednesday outdoors a Manhattan lodge and spoke to The Related Press on the situation of anonymity.

With the gunman nonetheless at massive, police additionally launched pictures of a “individual of curiosity” needed for questioning in reference to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The photographs, exhibiting an unmasked man within the foyer of a Manhattan hostel, add to a group of pictures and video which have circulated for the reason that taking pictures – together with footage of the assault itself, in addition to nonetheless frames of the suspected gunman stopping at a Starbucks beforehand.

Mr. Thompson, 50, died in a daybreak ambush as he walked from his midtown lodge to the corporate’s annual investor convention at a Hilton throughout the road, blocks from vacationer attracts similar to Radio Metropolis Music Corridor, the Museum of Trendy Artwork and Rockefeller Middle, the place the famed Christmas tree was lit Wednesday (December 4, 2024) evening. The explanation for the killing remained unknown, however New York Metropolis police say proof firmly factors to it being a focused assault.

The messages on the ammunition mimic the phrase “delay, deny, defend,” which is often utilized by legal professionals and insurance coverage trade critics to explain ways used to keep away from paying claims. It refers to insurers delaying cost, denying a declare after which defending their actions. Well being insurers like UnitedHealthcare have turn into frequent targets of criticism from medical doctors and sufferers for denying claims or complicating entry to care.

Investigators recovered a number of 9 mm shell casings from outdoors the Hilton and a cellphone from the alleyway by way of which the shooter fled. Inside a close-by trash can, they discovered a water bottle and protein bar wrapper that they are saying the gunman bought from Starbucks minutes earlier than the taking pictures. The town’s crime lab is analyzing these gadgets for DNA and fingerprints.

The killing and the shooter’s actions within the minutes earlier than and afterward have been captured on a few of the multitude of safety cameras in that a part of town. The shooter fled on a bicycle and was final seen using into Central Park.

A tip that the shooter might have stayed at a hostel introduced police Thursday (December 5, 2024) morning to at the very least two such institutions on Manhattan’s Higher West Facet, in line with one of many legislation enforcement officers briefed on the investigation. The pictures made public Thursday (December 5, 2024) have been taken within the foyer of the HI New York Metropolis hostel.

“We’re absolutely cooperating with the NYPD and, as that is an energetic investigation, cannot remark presently,” hostel spokesperson Danielle Brumfitt mentioned in an emailed assertion.

Members of the general public have flooded police with ideas — many unfounded. Police searched a Lengthy Island Rail Highway prepare Wednesday (December 4, 2024) evening after a commuter claimed to have noticed the shooter, however they discovered no signal of the gunman.

“We’re following up on each single tip that is available in,” Assistant Commissioner Carlos Nieves, a police spokesperson, mentioned. ”That little piece of data might be the lacking piece of the puzzle that ties every little thing collectively.” Based mostly on surveillance video and proof from the scene, investigators consider the shooter had at the very least some firearms coaching and expertise with weapons and that the weapon was geared up with a silencer, one of many legislation enforcement officers instructed the AP.

Investigators have been additionally wanting into whether or not the suspect had pre-positioned a motorcycle as a part of an escape plan, the official mentioned.

Safety video reveals the killer approaching Mr. Thompson from behind, levelling his pistol and firing a number of photographs, barely pausing to clear a gun jam whereas the chief tumbled to the sidewalk. Cameras confirmed him fleeing the block throughout a pedestrian plaza earlier than getting on the bicycle.

Police launched a number of pictures of the person carrying a hooded jacket and a masks that hid most of his face — a glance that will not have attracted consideration on a cold morning. They’ve additionally used drones, helicopters and canine in an intensive seek for the killer, whereas additionally interviewing Thompson’s coworkers, looking out his lodge room and scouring his social media.

Mr. Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for greater than three years.

His spouse, Paulette, instructed NBC Information on Wednesday (December 4, 2024) that he instructed her “there have been some those who had been threatening him.” She did not have particulars however recommended the threats might have concerned points with insurance coverage protection.

The insurer’s father or mother firm, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual assembly in New York to replace buyers on its route and expectations for the approaching 12 months. The corporate ended the convention early within the wake of Thompson’s demise.

UnitedHealthcare supplies protection for greater than 49 million Individuals and introduced in additional than $281 billion in income final 12 months. It’s the largest supplier of Medicare Benefit plans within the U.S. and manages medical health insurance protection for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid packages.