New York City police shared photos Thursday of the grinning gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in Manhattan, as the search for the killer stretches into its second day.
New York Police Department officials published new photos of the gunman, who had his face mask pulled down and was smiling at someone. Law enforcement sources told the New York Post the images were captured at a youth hostel in the Upper West Side.
The NYPD said the shooter checked into the hostel using a fake ID from New Jersey, per the Post. Police also recovered the suspect’s burner phone, on which he was seen making a call shortly before the killing.
Chief executive Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally gunned down early Wednesday in Midtown in what police, backed by the killer’s behavior on video footage, are calling a targeted killing.
The masked, unidentified shooter sneaked up behind Mr. Thompson as he walked toward the Hilton Hotel and opened fire on the CEO. Mr. Thompson was in New York City for UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference.
Police said the victim eventually died at a hospital, and the gunman fled the area on an electric bike. He was last seen in Central Park on Wednesday morning.
Authorities said the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were found on three of the bullet casing fired by the gunman at the scene. The words on the ammunition are believed to be a reference to common strategies insurance companies use to avoid paying claims.
UnitedHealthcare’s Minnesota headquarters faced swarms of protesters earlier this year over the company’s claim denials.
Mr. Thompson was also part of a Justice Department probe into alleged insider trading taking place among some of the health insurance providers’ executives.
In Maple Grove, Minnesota, where Mr. Thompson lived, local police said they received a bomb threat at the CEO’s house hours before he was killed, according to TMZ.
Police said no explosives were found during a sweep of the home.
The killer is described as a light-skinned man wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack. Police said he used a pistol with a silencer in the attack on Mr. Thompson.
“From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Wednesday.
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the gunman “appeared to wait for his intended target,” as he lurked near the hotel Mr. Thompson was heading toward.
Police have yet to establish a motive in the killing.
Mr. Thompson had served as the head of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021.
Before taking on his role, he oversaw the company’s government programs, such as Medicare and Retirement and Community & State.
UnitedHealthcare said it was “deeply saddened and shocked” over Mr. Thompson’s killing.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” UnitedHealthcare said. “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
• This story is based in part on wire service reports
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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