Police searching for the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson are investigating the suspected shooter who parked an electric bicycle near the scene of the incident as an escape route, police sources told ABC News.
A masked gunman carried out a “brave and targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference Wednesday. The motive is unknown, the police said.
Thompson, 50, was there New York City for the UnitedHealthcare investor conference, which was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. His schedule was well-known, police sources said.
He was shot several times at close range outside the Hilton Hotel — where he was holding a conference — around 6:40 a.m. at the intersection of West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue.
ABC News obtained this photo of the suspect.
Obtained by ABC News
The suspect — captured by surveillance cameras before, during and immediately after the shooting — was lurking near the hotel.
After the shooting, he fled on foot into an alley, where a phone believed to be linked to the suspect was later recovered, police sources said.
The suspect fled on a bicycle and was last seen heading toward Central Park at 6:48 a.m., police said.
The shooter was caught on surveillance video at 5 a.m. outside the Frederick Douglass Houses, a public housing project on the Upper West Side, sources told ABC News.
The image showed the suspect carrying what appeared to be an e-bike battery.
Investigators are collecting evidence as the search for the suspect continues. The FBI — which has the most sophisticated technology to recover usable data from cellphones — is assisting in the investigation, police sources said.
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
UnitedHealth Group via AP
At the scene of the shooting, the police also recovered a bottle of water and a container of candy, which they believe are related to the shooting. The articles are being fingerprinted and DNA tested, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Detectives believe the gunman is not a professional killer, sources said. The bullet casings found at the scene had the words “deny”, “defend” and “stay” written on them, police sources said.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said in a statement that she was “heartbroken” by the “senseless murder.”
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous and talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” she said. “Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and he will be greatly missed.”
Police are asking the public to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS with any information.
A reward sign hangs outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed on December 4, 2024 in New York City.
Stefan Jeremiah/AP
ABC News’ Mark Crudele and Josh Margolin contributed to this report.
