New York police believe the masked gunman who killed Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in a brazen daylight attack may have left the city by bus shortly after the murder. The suspect, described as a fresh-faced man, has been on the run for three days.
Surveillance footage captured the gunman entering the George Washington Bridge Bus Station in northern Manhattan after the crime. Police are now investigating dozens of inter-state bus routes, suggesting he may no longer be in New York City.
The suspect was previously seen lowering his mask while staying at a youth hostel, where he reportedly flirted with a receptionist, providing investigators with a clear image. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called this the “money shot” and credited it as a significant breakthrough in the case.
The FBI has joined the manhunt, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture.
Thompson was shot multiple times outside the New York Hilton Midtown while attending an investor conference. The attack, caught on video, shows the suspect fleeing on a bicycle toward Central Park. Reports suggest he traveled to New York from Atlanta last month and may have used a silenced weapon.
Speculation around the motive has focused on potential grievances linked to insurance coverage decisions. Shell casings at the scene reportedly bore the words “delay” and “deny,” terms often associated with rejected claims.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, mentioned that her husband had received unspecified threats, possibly related to his work. UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, expressed shock and sadness over his death.
The company, a major player in the U.S. healthcare market, reported $100.8 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2023, with Thompson’s compensation reaching $10.2 million this year.
Authorities are continuing their sprawling investigation, which has involved recovering a coffee cup with DNA evidence and analyzing cell phone data from the crime scene.
