New York City police are hunting for a suspect who killed a top executive of UnitedHealth on Wednesday, with officials believing he has left the city.
Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit, was shot in the back in what police described as a targeted attack. The suspect, who was captured on video, removed his mask and flirted with a hostel desk clerk, giving police a significant clue to his identity.
Police have released multiple photos of the suspect and are reviewing security footage to track him down. They believe he arrived in New York City 10 days before the shooting on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta and checked into a youth hostel using a fake ID from New Jersey.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction, while the New York City police are offering a $10,000 reward.
Police have discovered a backpack that they believe to be the suspect’s, which contains evidence of the crime. They are also reviewing security footage showing the suspect arriving at a bus terminal, where he climbed into a taxi and was taken to a Port Authority bus station.
Security experts have warned that the first 48 hours after such a crime are the best window of opportunity to catch a gunman, and this timeline has now passed. Authorities are still working to identify the suspect and are reviewing new evidence that has come to light.
UnitedHealth, one of the largest health insurers in the US, has taken steps to tighten security measures, including taking down photos of executives from its website. Other major health insurers, such as CVS Health and Centene, have also taken similar measures.