Authorities Are Closing In on Suspect in Shooting Death of UnitedHealth Executive
New York City authorities are closing in on the suspect who killed Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit, in a targeted attack on Wednesday morning. The 50-year-old Thompson was shot in the back around 6:45 a.m. in what police described as a premeditated and planned attack by a masked assailant lying in wait.
The suspect, described as wearing a hooded jacket, balaclava, and gray backpack, fled the scene on foot and on an electric bike before entering Central Park. A backpack resembling the one worn by the suspect was later recovered at a playground in the park.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that the net is tightening around the suspect, but declined to reveal whether the suspect has been identified. “We don’t want to release his name, as that would give him an upper hand in hiding,” he said. “We’re going to reveal who he is and we’re going to bring him to justice.”
Police have gathered a “huge amount of evidence,” including fingerprints, DNA evidence, and camera footage of the suspect’s movements throughout the city. They believe the suspect may have left New York City after being seen entering a Port Authority Bus Terminal.
The FBI has added a $50,000 reward to the $10,000 already offered by the New York police for information leading to the capture of the shooter. The circumstances of the attack suggest it was premeditated and planned, with the gunman ignoring other pedestrians while waiting for Thompson.
Thompson, a married father of two, suffered fatal gunshot wounds to his back and leg. UnitedHealth is the largest U.S. health insurer, providing benefits to tens of millions of Americans.