New York police released surveillance photos Thursday of the suspected gunman who assassinated UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, revealing new details about messages written on the ammunition that suggest insurance industry revenge as a possible motive.
The photos show a masked man in black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack inside the HI New York City youth hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Police launched searches of multiple hostels after receiving tips about the suspect’s whereabouts.
Take a look —
The NYPD has released new photos in the search for the man who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, on Wednesday outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown.
The new images show the suspect’s face, which had previously been hidden behind a mask, with the gunman even… pic.twitter.com/lilVVIjFbo
— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) December 5, 2024
“From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.
The ammunition used in Wednesday’s shooting bore the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” written in permanent marker, according to a law enforcement official speaking anonymously. The message echoes the phrase “delay, deny, defend” – commonly used to criticize insurance companies’ claims practices.
Thompson’s wife told NBC News he had received threats related to insurance coverage issues, though local police in Minnesota said no threats were reported.
The gunman used a silencer on his 9mm pistol, which New York Mayor Eric Adams called “shocking,” noting he’d never encountered one in his 22-year police career.
Police say the shooter waited outside the Hilton hotel for five minutes before Thompson arrived, ignoring other pedestrians. After shooting Thompson in the back, the gunman’s weapon jammed, but he quickly cleared it and continued firing.
Investigators are conducting DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found near the scene, including a water bottle believed discarded by the suspect.
They’re also investigating whether he pre-positioned a bike as part of his escape plan.