Society
Police issue statement on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shooting
The NYPD have spoken publicly about the incident that occurred outside a hotel earlier today.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a New York hotel on Wednesday 4 December, with the suspect fleeing on a bicycle.
Thompson, 50, was taken to a nearby hospital in the city where he was pronounced dead. The CEO was set to speak at the hotel about the projections for the upcoming year, and was fatally attacked at the entrance to the building.
Investigators said at the press conference on Wednesday morning that the person who shot Thompson was a white male with a black face mask who was wearing a cream-coloured or light-brown jacket, black and white sneakers and a grey backpack.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
The New York Police Department commissioner, Jessica Tisch, spoke about the incident shortly after. She told the press that Thompson’s murder at this early stage of the investigation appears “to be a brazen targeted attack. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
Joseph Kenny, chief of detectives, gave more “preliminary” details regarding the incident and the NYPD’s investigation into it which is still ongoing.
The shooter was captured on surveillance cameras arriving about five minutes before the victim. When Thompson was crossing the street from the hotel where he was staying, the shooter approached his victim from behind.
Thompson was shot at multiple times, taking a bullet to the back and another to the leg. After the crime the suspect fled the scene on foot and then used a city e-bike. He was last seen entering Central Park. At this time the motive behind the “specifically targeted” attack is unknown said Chief Kenny.