NYC CEO Murder: Manhunt Intensifies After Targeted Midtown Shooting

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7792x5200+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2F97%2Fff24f3f043c2b15963c6f7ce2b3f%2Fap24340755092282.jpg" alt="New York Police community affairs officers enter the HI New York City Hostel, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in New York, where police say the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson may have stayed. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)">

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday. The NYPD is investigating the incident as a premeditated, targeted attack.

The Crime

Thompson was shot multiple times while arriving at a hotel. The suspect, seen on surveillance footage, fled on foot and then a bicycle, eventually entering Central Park. Police have released photos of the suspect.

The Investigation

Investigators found bullet casings with the words "deny," "defend," and "depose" written on them, leading them to explore a possible motive linked to criticism of the health insurance industry. The NYPD has stated that this does not appear to be a random act of violence.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack. The full investigative efforts of… <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1864706407985221974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1864706407985221974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw</a></p>&mdash; NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1864706407985221974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a></blockquote>

UnitedHealthcare's Response

UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing sorrow and pledging support for Thompson's family and cooperation with law enforcement.

The company has also faced increased online criticism following the shooting.