New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated on Saturday that authorities have identified the suspect involved in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, though he refrained from confirming if the suspect’s name is known.
Adams emphasized the need to avoid tipping off “the person we are seeking” as the manhunt continues.
Surveillance footage captured the masked gunman lying in wait for Thompson before approaching and firing multiple close-range shots. Investigators have since discovered what may be a motive: shell casings found at the scene bore the inscriptions “Deny,” “Defend,” and “Depose.” According to reports, the markings suggest the shooter could be a disgruntled client of UnitedHealthcare.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, also revealed that the family had received threats prior to the assassination, potentially tied to disputes over denied insurance claims. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to bring the suspect to justice.
The man suspected of killing Thompson reportedly arrived in New York City on November 24 aboard a Greyhound bus from Atlanta, law enforcement sources revealed. After arriving at the Port Authority bus terminal, the suspect checked into the HI New York City Hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Police believe the gunman staked out the Midtown Hilton Hotel, where Thompson was ultimately killed early Wednesday morning. Surveillance footage shows the suspect leaving the hostel on November 30, taking an Uber back the same day to rebook a room using a fake New Jersey ID.
Chilling images released Thursday revealed the suspect’s unmasked face for the first time. Sources said he lowered his mask to flirt with a receptionist at the hostel, revealing a smile captured on camera. Despite scouring his shared room, authorities have yet to find critical evidence linking the suspect directly to the crime.
Investigators continue piecing together the gunman’s actions leading up to the shooting. Authorities recovered a burner phone discarded as he fled the crime scene into Central Park. Surveillance showed him using the phone while heading to the hotel on Sixth Avenue, where the fatal attack occurred.
Additional evidence includes a water bottle purchased at a Starbucks near the hotel, recovered as police traced his steps. These clues, combined with surveillance footage, are helping authorities establish a timeline of the suspect’s movements.
