Mon Dec 09 23:29:56 UTC 2024: **NYC Police Hunt for Suspect in Targeted Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO**

**New York, NY** – The New York Police Department (NYPD) is intensifying its search for the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, who was gunned down Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel. The NYPD, along with the FBI, which is offering a $50,000 reward, are pursuing several leads.

Police believe the suspect, whose identity remains unknown, may have fled the city via the Port Authority Bus Terminal after riding a Citi Bike through Central Park and taking a taxi. Investigators are reviewing extensive security camera footage from the bus terminal to identify the suspect’s bus and subsequent destination.

The shooting, described as a premeditated, targeted attack, occurred around 6:45 a.m. as Thompson was en route to a company investor conference. Security footage shows the suspect, wearing a black hoodie and pants, approach Thompson from behind and shoot him multiple times, including at least one shot to the back and one to the calf. The suspect, believed to have used a silenced firearm, then fled on an electric bike.

Evidence collected by investigators includes shell casings with the words “delay” and “depose” written on them (previously misreported as “defend”), a discarded water bottle, and a gray backpack found in Central Park. While the backpack contained Monopoly money and a jacket, no firearm has been recovered. A cellphone found near the scene is also being analyzed for clues.

The NYPD has released images of the suspect taken at a hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where he is believed to have stayed. Investigators believe he may have traveled to New York City from Atlanta last month via Greyhound bus, and are working with Greyhound and Atlanta police to obtain further information. Additional video footage shows the suspect at a Starbucks purchasing a water bottle and protein bars, and then discarding the water bottle, and exiting a subway station shortly before the shooting.

Thompson’s wife has indicated he had received threats prior to the killing, although the nature of those threats remains unclear. Neither the NYPD in Maple Grove, Minnesota, nor UnitedHealth Group confirmed providing him with security. While the motive remains a mystery, authorities suspect a personal vendetta. The investigation is ongoing.

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