UnitedHealthcare CEO killer search: What we know so far
(FOX 9) - Efforts to track down the gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel expanded over the weekend.
Background
Thompson was shot and killed near W. 54th St. and 6th Avenue outside a Hilton Hotel in Manhattan around 6:45 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2024. Thompson was set to take part in the company's shareholder conference at the hotel.
Video shows the gunman firing shots from behind Thompson, striking him three times.
Authorities say the words "deny," "defend," and "depose" – a phrase critics use to describe insurance company tactics – were written on the ammo casings left behind at the scene. New York City police believe the shooting was premeditated and targeted.
Despite an extensive search and heavy media coverage, so far, police have not been able to make an arrest in the shooting.
The latest
On Monday, authorities questioned a man in Pennsylvania connected to the Thompson killing. Authorities were also searching a pond in Central Park for potential evidence.
A source tells the Associated Press that the man owns a gun that matches the weapon authorities believe was used in the shooting. Other reports indicate the man was carrying a silencer – which is believed to have been used in the shooting – along with a fake ID and manifesto.
Over the weekend, police released a new batch of photos showing the masked gunman riding in a cab.
The award for information leading to an arrest has also risen to $50,000.
On Friday, police reportedly found a distinctive backpack that the gunman was wearing. Inside, they found a jacket and Monopoly money. According to reports, investigators were also testing a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper for DNA.
Tracking the suspect
On the morning of the shooting, police say the gunman is spotted on surveillance video outside the hotel, seemingly waiting for Thompson for about five minutes.
- Authorities said last week, they now believe the gunman arrived in New York City on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta, Georgia, on the day before Thanksgiving.
- The suspect stayed at a hostel, checking in using a fake New Jersey ID.
- Police were able to pull surveillance videos of the suspects making a purchase at a Starbucks near the hostels. They had also tracked him on the Subway and visiting other establishments before the shooting.
- After the shooting, investigators say they believe the gunman walked west on 6th Avenue, before getting on an e-bike and riding north in Central Park.
- Police now believe the killer left New York City on a bus.
Ongoing impact
The shooting has also increased concerns for other healthcare companies.
Last week, Medica announced it was closing its Minnesota headquarters out of an abundance of caution in the wake of the shooting.
UnitedHealthcare has also put up a fence around its building.
In a statement to FOX 9 on Monday, UCare, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit health plan, also confirmed it was closing its offices for the week following a "concerning comment" in a phone call.