A search is underway in New York City for the gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson early Wednesday morning.
Thompson was shot multiple times at around 6:45 a.m. EST on Wednesday in the suburb of the New York Hilton Midtown in central Manhattan. Ms. Thompson was scheduled to attend the annual investor conference.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Wednesday that the attack appeared to be “targeted,” noting that the suspect waited “several minutes” and ignored other pedestrians before spotting Thompson. Ta.
“All signs point to this being a pre-planned, deliberate, targeted attack,” Tisch said at a news conference. “Many people passed the suspect, but the suspect appeared to be waiting for his intended target.”
The suspect shot Thompson at least once in the back and once in the right calf, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney said. Thompson was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
The suspect fled into an alley near the hotel, then rode an electric bike to Central Park, the Associated Press reported. He remains at large.
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward and are offering a $10,000 reward.
“The perpetrator appears to be a fair-skinned male. He is wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a very distinctive gray backpack,” Kenny said. .
The detective added that the gunman was “skilled in the use of firearms” as he was able to unclog and continue firing even after the gun malfunctioned.
Police recovered three live 9mm rounds and three ejected shell casings from the scene.
New York City law enforcement officials were briefed on the investigation. told NBC News Shells found at the scene Thursday had the words “denied,” “defense” and “expulsion” written on them. ABC News was the first to report this.
thompson's wife paulette thompsontold NBC that he had received threats before, although he did not know the details. Police said the officer was alone at the time of the shooting.
“Basically I don't know, but is there a lack of coverage?” she said, according to the network. “I don't know the details. All I know is that he said there were people threatening him.”
Nathaniel Weixel contributed reporting.
