NEW YORK — Authorities are currently searching for the person responsible for the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and as of Sunday, the investigation has continued into its fifth day with little progress on identifying the suspect. While investigators have gathered a significant amount of evidence, the identity of the shooter remains unknown.
One clear finding from the investigation is that Thompson’s killing was a targeted incident, not a random act of violence. The attack occurred at approximately 6:44 a.m. on Wednesday as Thompson arrived at the Hilton for an annual investor conference. The assailant used a 9 mm firearm, similar to those used by farmers for humane animal euthanasia, and notable markings on the ammunition found near the scene contained terms such as “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” which are often associated with criticisms directed at the insurance sector.
It has been suggested by NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny that the shooter may have been aware of the UnitedHealthcare conference taking place at the hotel and anticipated Thompson’s route, indicating the possibility of a disgruntled employee or client being involved. Police have also conducted searches in Central Park, where the shooter fled post-attack, and divers were seen searching a nearby pond. A backpack belonging to the gunman was discovered on Friday, although authorities have yet to disclose its contents and will conduct tests on it.
As of Sunday morning, the police refrained from providing details about the backpack and the pond investigation, emphasizing the need for patience during the evidence-gathering process. Hundreds of detectives are actively examining surveillance footage, exploring tips from the public, and interviewing those connected to Thompson, as well as the gunman’s temporary hostel roommates in Manhattan.
The investigation garnered a breakthrough when security footage from the hostel revealed a moment when the assailant’s face was visible. Further analysis of surveillance video indicated that the suspect likely left New York City via bus shortly after the incident, with images capturing him at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes after the shooting.
In an effort to expedite the investigation, the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction after already being joined by a $10,000 reward offered by the NYPD. Currently, law enforcement believes the assailant acted independently.
Images of the suspect have been shared with various media outlets and across social media platforms. However, attempts at identification through facial recognition technology have not yet been successful due to potential limitations or the angles at which the images were captured. On Saturday, police released two more images obtained from a taxi’s internal camera; in these, the suspect’s face is partially concealed by a medical mask as he appears both outside and inside the vehicle.
