A brutal murder shocked Midtown Manhattan when the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompsonwas fatally shot in front of a hotel in the area on Wednesday morning in December. The exact moment of the murder, which was recorded by security cameras in the area, was recorded in a video of about 30 seconds long.
The strong images were recorded in a shocking videothe aggressor is seen, dressed in a brown hooded sweater, dark pants, gloves and carrying a gray backpack, shooting methodically at close range. Using what appears to be a single action pistolthe attacker pulled the slider after each shot. The first shot hit him in the back. Thompsonwho staggered, tried to turn towards his attacker, but ended up falling to the ground while trying to crawl to escape.
The attacker fired at least three times before the video ended, showing him adjusting the weapon to continue. According to a police source cited by The New York Postthe gun appeared to jam during the attack, forcing the shooter to correct the failure, indicating a considerable level of familiarity with firearms.
A witness, who was on the sidewalk near the scene, ran away when he realized the seriousness of the situation. Police continue to investigate the case while the video and available clues are being analyzed.
According to authorities, the attacker, who used a weapon equipped with a silencer, remains at large, and a $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture. Police at the scene tried to revive Thompson performing CPR maneuvers, but they were unable to save his life.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tabledescribed the murder as “planned, premeditated and directed.” Ongoing investigations include analysis of video surveillance near the Hotel Hilton in Midtown, where the crime occurred, and the testimony of possible witnesses. Despite efforts, no arrests have yet been made.
The attack, described as meticulously planned, occurred Tuesday near the Hiltonwhere Thompson was scheduled to attend an investor conference UnitedHealth Group. The suspect, who was previously seen in a Starbucks nearby, he quickly fled after shooting, using an electric bicycle e-Citi to disappear in Central ParkAs confirmed by the NYPD chief of detectives, Joseph Kenny. Security footage revealed he was not wearing gloves, which left fingerprints on items in the cafe and could provide crucial clues.
The suspect, captured on video in the street W. 56 y Sixth Avenuewas wearing a sweatshirt and was seen acting in a calculated manner. It has not been determined how long he stayed at the Starbucks or if he interacted with anyone. However, authorities believe that he previously studied their movements, including the location of the event, and that he identified the Hotel Hilton as a key point to carry out the attack.
The victim’s wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompsonstated that her husband had received threats related to his position as leader of the largest private insurer in the United States. “Before the shooting, he had received threats related to his work,” he said. This reinforces the hypothesis that the attack was not random, but rather a retaliation possibly linked to its role in a sector that handles controversial decisions and significant economic figures.
- 6:41 a.m. The alleged attacker arrives near the Hilton Hotel, located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, Manhattan. He stops next to the line of the building, observing the pedestrian crossing.
- 6:44 a.m. Brian R. Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare and a Minnesota resident, leaves his hotel across the street from the Hilton and walks to the site of the UnitedHealth Group Investors Conference scheduled for 8 a.m.
- 6:46 a.m. The attacker, described as a light-skinned man, wearing a brown jacket, a black mask, black and white sneakers, and a distinctive gray backpack, follows Thompson. He approaches from behind and fires several shots: at least one hits the back and another hits the right calf.
- 6:48 a.m. A 911 call reports the shooting in front of the Hilton Hotel. Officers from the Midtown North Precinct arrive at the scene and find the victim with serious injuries. The attacker initially flees on foot, walks towards the Avenue of the Americas and then uses an electric bicycle to head towards Central Park along Center Drive.
- 6:48 a.m. The attacker is seen entering Central Park.
- 7:12 a.m. Thompson is pronounced dead at Roosevelt Hospital after being rushed to hospital by medical services.
- Investigation in progress Detectives from Midtown North and South Manhattan Homicide begin investigating. Three bullet casings and three unfired 9 mm caliber projectiles were recovered at the scene. Authorities confirm that this is a planned and targeted attack, but the motive has not yet been determined. The NYPD is asking the public for help and offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the attacker’s capture.
