NEW YORK (TCN) — Police are searching for the gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a hotel shortly before he was set to speak at an investor conference this morning.
According to New York Police Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at approximately 6:46 a.m., officers responded to a report of a person shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown. At the scene, police located 50-year-old Thompson with gunshot wounds to his back and leg. Emergency medical services personnel transported Thompson to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Kenny said this does “not appear to be a random act of violence,” and New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called it a “brazen, targeted attack.”
The unidentified shooter allegedly waited for the victim as he walked from his hotel to the Hilton for an investor conference. Police allege the shooter approached Thompson from behind and fired multiple rounds. Authorities recovered three rounds and shell casings from the scene.
Following the shooting, the suspect reportedly fled on foot into an alleyway before picking up an electric bike and heading toward Central Park.
Police have asked the public’s help in identifying the suspect and posted surveillance photos. He reportedly wore a black mask and grey backpack. Authorities have increased their reward to $10,000 for any information leading to an arrest.
According to Kenny, investigators are working with the electric bike company and are trying to identify a witness who was near Thompson during the incident. The motive is unknown.
In a statement, Tisch said, “Investigative efforts of the New York City Police Department are well underway, and we will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter.”
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