The New York Police Department (NYPD) is intensifying its search for the assailant who fatally shot Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The early morning attack on December 6 has shaken the healthcare industry and left many questioning the motives behind this calculated killing.
The Crime Scene: A Calculated Attack
At approximately 6:45 AM EST, Thompson, 50, was gunned down in a bustling part of Manhattan near Times Square. The attacker, clad in a light brown jacket and a black face mask, was reportedly waiting for at least five minutes before ambushing Thompson as he arrived on foot. Despite his firearm jamming momentarily, the suspect managed to shoot Thompson in the back and leg before fleeing the scene.
Mayor Eric Adams described the use of a silencer in the attack as “unprecedented,” underscoring the level of planning involved. Police have identified the firearm as a BT Station Six 9, a weapon with historical roots in World War II special operations.
Key Clues and Evidence
Investigators are piecing together a trail of evidence to identify the suspect:
- CCTV Footage: The assailant was captured on video wearing a mask and jacket. NYPD released unmasked images of a person of interest seen nearby earlier that morning.
- Bullet Casings: Three casings were found with cryptic words—”deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—possibly referencing industry criticisms of insurance practices.
- Facial Recognition: The suspect was seen at a Starbucks shortly before the crime, allowing partial facial identification.
- Discarded Items: A coffee cup and a mobile phone found along the escape route are being tested for fingerprints and DNA.
Who Was Brian Thompson?
Thompson, a Minnesota native, joined UnitedHealthcare in 2004 and rose to become CEO in 2021. He was recognized for steering the company through record profitability. His wife revealed to investigators that Thompson had mentioned receiving threats prior to his death, though details remain vague.
In 2018, a suspicious incident occurred at Thompson’s home, but authorities found no evidence of criminal activity.
Possible Motive: A Message to the Industry?
The NYPD is investigating the possibility that the murder was a targeted act of retaliation against the insurance industry. The cryptic words on the bullet casings align with criticisms outlined in the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. While no direct link to the book’s author has been established, the messaging suggests a calculated effort to spotlight industry practices.
Public Appeal and Next Steps
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the suspect or incident to come forward. The person of interest is believed to have used a fake ID and traveled to New York on a bus originating in Atlanta, Georgia.
The investigation also includes a search of Thompson’s room at the Marriott hotel and a nearby location on Manhattan’s Upper West Side where the suspect was seen earlier in the day.
Conclusion: A City on Edge
As the NYPD employs advanced technology and public tips to track the suspect, the killing of Brian Thompson underscores the vulnerabilities even prominent figures face. With no clear motive yet, this chilling crime has captivated New York City and the nation.
Have insights? Contact the NYPD tip line by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Alternatively, you can submit information online via their Crime Stoppers website or use the P3 Tips mobile app. to aid the investigation. All tips are confidential.
