New York City officials have released additional information about the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, confirming that evidence points to a targeted hit.
At roughly 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, an unidentified suspect approached Thompson from behind, shooting him in the back. He then continued walking toward Thompson while shooting him several times.
https://twitter.com/LevineJonathan/status/1864374704540188934
It has since been confirmed by New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny that the suspect arrived on foot outside of the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan — where UnitedHealthcare was holding a conference — roughly five minutes before Thompson. The CEO was seen at that time walking down the street alone without a security detail, presumably headed to the conference.
After shooting Thompson, the suspect fled on foot, then hopped on an electric city bike and rode into Central Park. His last known location was inside Central Park, as the city’s e-bikes have GPS locators on them. Authorities are still unclear about the motive for the shooting.
The CEO was rushed to the hospital following the shooting, where he was pronounced dead.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has since confirmed that all evidence points to this being a targeted assassination.
“I want to be clear: at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack,” she said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) also confirmed that this was not a random attack, telling reporters: “We want to be clear to New Yorkers that this does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
Police have released a flier with surveillance footage of the suspect — including an image taken near the hotel showing the suspect dressed in all black, carrying a backpack, and appearing to be holding a long handgun. They also released an image of the suspect fleeing on the e-bike. Authorities have also offered a $10,000 reward for information on the suspect.
Suppressors are illegal in New York.
No amount of gun control will ever stop determined killers. pic.twitter.com/FcjIueQ1gD
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) December 4, 2024
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, has also revealed that her husband had been receiving threats.
“There had been some threats. Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,” she said.
Paulette added: “I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children.”
