The investigation into the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues to puzzle authorities, despite the extensive resources deployed.
Five days after the targeted shooting outside Manhattan’s Hilton Midtown hotel, police, the FBI, and other agencies have pieced together a timeline of the suspect’s movements, collected forensic evidence, and reviewed hours of surveillance footage.
Yet, the identity of the killer remains elusive, and the search has expanded beyond New York City.
What we know so far about the attack
Brian Thompson, 50, was gunned down at 6:44 am on December 4, moments after he arrived at the Hilton Midtown for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference.
The father of two, who became CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s insurance division in April 2021, was walking from a nearby hotel when the assailant struck. Surveillance footage captured the shooter, who wore a hooded jacket, balaclava, and carried a gray backpack, lying in wait for Thompson before ambushing him.
🚨UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4.
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— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 8, 2024
NYPD chief of detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed the attack was deliberate. “It was a targeted attack, not a random act,” he stated, adding that the weapon used — a 9 mm pistol — was designed to reduce noise.
The shooter fled the scene on an electric bike, disappearing into the sprawling terrain of Central Park.
Key details in the timeline include:
November 24: The suspect arrived in New York City via Greyhound bus from Atlanta. He used a fake ID, paid in cash, and stayed at the HI New York City Hostel on Amsterdam Avenue, where he shared a room with two others but kept his identity hidden by always wearing a mask. Surveillance footage captured him briefly lowering his mask and smiling in the hostel lobby.
December 4 (Day of the killing): The suspect left the hostel before dawn and was seen near the Hilton Midtown shortly after 5:30 am, riding a bicycle. He purchased a water bottle and energy bar from a nearby Starbucks before returning to the scene of the attack.
The shooting took place at 6:44 am, and within minutes, he fled toward Central Park. Cameras captured him exiting the park at 6:56 am, this time without his distinctive backpack. He was later seen riding a bicycle near West 85th Street before entering a taxi at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue around 7:04 am.
Post-attack: The suspect entered the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, suggesting he may have left New York City on an interstate bus. Investigators are still reviewing footage to determine his exact destination.
What the police know so far
Authorities have gathered an extensive array of evidence, including surveillance footage, DNA samples, and forensic clues:
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Backpack and its contents: The suspect’s gray backpack, recovered near a Central Park playground, contained a jacket and Monopoly money but no firearm.
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Forensic clues: Fingerprints obtained from a Starbucks purchase and DNA testing of the backpack and other items are under analysis.
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Surveillance images: Footage from the hostel and a taxi captured glimpses of the suspect’s face, though the NYPD has faced challenges with facial recognition due to the angle of the images and legal restrictions on the technology.
Despite these clues, the killer remains unidentified, and the FBI has added a $50,000 reward to the NYPD’s $10,000 offer for information leading to his capture.
What we know about a possible motive
The chilling details of the attack point to meticulous planning and a possible vendetta against the healthcare industry. Ammunition recovered at the scene
bore the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” echoing criticisms of insurance practices.
Speaking to CNN, criminologist Bryanna Fox speculated the gunman saw himself as a vigilante, describing him as “a Batman-type figure seeking justice on behalf of people he thinks he’s representing.”
This perception may explain the muted public response to the incident. UnitedHealth Group’s online tribute to Thompson received over 82,000 reactions, with 76,000 of them being laughing emojis, highlighting widespread cynicism toward the industry.
What has helped the killer escape so far
Despite New York City’s extensive surveillance network, the suspect has managed to evade capture. Key challenges include:
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Central Park’s terrain: Spanning 843 acres, the park offered the suspect ample opportunities to obscure his movements and discard evidence. Divers have searched its waterways for days, but no weapon has been found.
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Meticulous planning: The suspect covered his face in public, used a fake ID, and paid cash to minimise his digital footprint.
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Public sentiment: Some see the suspect as a symbol of rebellion against the healthcare industry, potentially reducing public cooperation in identifying him.
Former NYPD Chief Kenneth Corey highlighted the ongoing effort to trace the suspect’s every movement during his 10-day stay in New York City. “They’re rewinding now to account for all the time he spent here,” Corey explained, adding that the suspect might not have anticipated the extent of the NYPD’s capabilities.
What have the police planned next
Investigators are casting a wide net as they continue their search across state lines. Commissioner Jessica Tisch expressed optimism, telling CNN that they had gathered “a huge amount of evidence.”
Mayor Eric Adams echoed this sentiment. “The net is tightening,” he said, highlighting the city’s commitment to finding the killer.
While the investigation progresses, the case has sparked broader debates about
public trust in the healthcare system and the challenges of policing in a city as vast and complex as New York.
With inputs from agencies