Manhunt Launched for Killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO in Targeted Shooting

Manhunt Underway for UnitedHealthcare CEO's Killer

A manhunt is underway in New York City for the gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday morning. Authorities believe the attack was targeted.

Thompson, 50, was shot multiple times around 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton Midtown hotel. He was not a guest at the hotel but was staying nearby and walking to a corporate event when he was attacked.

The shooting occurred ahead of an investors conference that UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, was scheduled to host at the Hilton.

Suspect Description and Actions

The suspect remains unidentified. He is described as a light-skinned man wearing a grey backpack, a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, and black-and-white sneakers.

He appears to have been lying in wait for Thompson for several minutes. He approached Thompson from behind at 6:44 a.m. and shot him at least once in the back and once in the right calf. A security camera captured the incident.

The suspect then fled on foot before getting on a bike. He was seen in Central Park and later on West 85th Street. Police are examining surveillance footage and conducting a reverse video canvass to track his escape route.

Investigation and Resources

Police are still going through surveillance images and have video, but no audio, of the shooting. They are also looking for the suspect's origin and motive.

Investigators are combing through files at UnitedHealthcare searching for a possible motive, looking for previous threats, and disgruntled or recently fired workers. They are also looking at social media and interviewing employees, family members, and others who knew Thompson.

Police are using all available resources, including drone and K-9 units, to find the suspect. People in Manhattan can expect to see a heavier-than-usual police presence.