The gunman ambushed Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Surveillance footage shows the shooter waiting for several minutes before attacking. After firing multiple rounds, the gunman fled, initially on foot and later using a rental bike, disappearing near Central Park.
Investigators have footage of the suspect taking a cab to the Port Authority bus terminal, suggesting he may have fled New York City. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed the man likely boarded an interstate bus. Authorities are reviewing records from a Nov. 24 Greyhound trip from Atlanta to New York City to identify the suspect.
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Key Evidence
Forensic experts are examining shell casings found at the crime scene, which had words like “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” etched on them. This peculiar detail, coupled with threats Thompson reportedly received, points to a possible vendetta.
Former NYPD Detective Michael Alcazar highlighted the killer’s composure, even when his gun jammed, suggesting the shooter might have military experience or training. However, other experts, like retired officer Joe Verni, doubted the professionalism of the execution, noting it occurred on a busy street and lacked the discretion expected from a hired hitman.Police also retrieved items discarded by the suspect near the scene, including a water bottle and protein bar wrappers. These are being analyzed for DNA evidence to strengthen the case.Authorities believe the gunman stayed at a hostel on the Upper West Side using a fake ID and cash. Video evidence also shows him purchasing snacks from a Starbucks before the crime.
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The investigation is still ongoing, with law enforcement processing DNA and physical evidence to connect the suspect definitively to the murder. As NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, the killing was “premeditated and preplanned,” adding urgency to solving this high-profile case.
FAQs:
Who was Brian Thompson, and what happened to him?
Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. He was fatally shot in a premeditated attack in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning while on his way to an investor conference.
How did the shooter escape?
The gunman initially fled on foot, then used a rental bike, and later took a cab to the Port Authority bus terminal, where he is believed to have boarded an interstate bus.
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