The man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson 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.
The murder of Thompson has shocked the business community and triggered a massive manhunt. Officials are working to identify and apprehend the suspect as they gather information about his motive and method.
