Who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson? What we know about the suspect on the run

A suspect is on the loose in what police called a “robbery.” targeted attack Brian Thompson, chief executive of the large insurance group UnitedHealthcare, was shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel before an investor conference on Wednesday.

The masked man appeared to be lurking outside the Hilton hotel in what police said was a “premeditated” attack. The shooter arrived five minutes before Thompson before shooting the victim in the chest around 6:40 a.m., police said.

The gunman caught on video chased after the CEO, pointed the gun at him and fired. A witness fled as Thompson tripped and fell to the ground. The gunman approached Thompson, firing more shots before fleeing.

Recovered evidence includes a mobile phone, water bottle and candy wrappers

The suspect fled on foot into an alley, where a phone was recovered, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. He then fled on an electric bicycle and was last seen heading into Central Park at 6:48 a.m., police said.

Police took photos of the suspect holding a firearm and riding a bicycle. They also released photos of the suspect wearing a mask taken at a Starbucks near the hotel before the shooting, according to ABC New York. WABC. Police described him as wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a “very distinctive” gray backpack.

Detectives also recovered a bottle of water and a candy wrapper from the area where he was apparently waiting, county officials said. After examination, NYPD investigators believe the cell phone, candy wrapper and water bottle are linked to the shooting, police sources said.

At the same time, NYPD detectives are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to track down the shooter and the FBI, which has the most sophisticated technology to recover useful data from cellphones, sources said.

The victim’s hotel room has already been entered by investigators, whose top priority is to determine Thompson’s recent conversations and movements, the sources said.

A professional killer seems unlikely

The working theory among detectives today is that the shooting was carried out by someone who was not a professional killer because too many “mistakes” were made, sources said. The longtime men typically don’t bring cell phones to their hits and the shots were fired from a distance that would be considered “too far” from the victim, sources said.

At this point, detectives are trying to determine whether Thompson was targeted because of some kind of personal conflict or because of his work as an insurance executive, the sources said. The killer apparently learned of Thompson’s schedule on Wednesday and would arrive at the Hilton well before the company meeting began, sources said.

Police are interviewing Thompson’s co-workers and family about specific threats, Kenny said.

What we know about the victim

Thompson, 50, was in New York for the UnitedHealthcare investor conference, which was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. The conference was being held at the Hilton and he was shot outside, but did not stay there, police said.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the world’s largest health insurer, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson.”

“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and everyone close to him.”

Police are asking the public to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS with any information. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.