NEW YORK CITY – Authorities appear to be closing in on the man suspected of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a targeted attack outside a Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, sources told media.
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Surveillance Images and Key Breakthroughs
Police released surveillance images of the suspect, taken at the HI New York City Hostel on West 103rd Street. Sources say the man shared a room there with two other individuals.
Detectives identified the suspect after he flirted with the hostel’s check-in attendant, who asked him to smile. The suspect pulled down his mask, allowing a surveillance camera to capture a clear image of his face, police sources said.
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Suspect’s Movements and False Identity
Investigators discovered the suspect used a New Jersey license—later found to be fraudulent—when checking into the Upper West Side hostel on Nov. 30. Despite this, law enforcement has linked him most recently to Atlanta, Georgia.
The man reportedly arrived in New York City last month via a Greyhound bus from Atlanta, entering through the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Detectives are working to trace his movements using surveillance footage.
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The Shooting Incident
The “brazen, targeted attack” occurred Wednesday morning outside the Hilton Hotel, where Thompson, 50, was attending an investors’ conference. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the shooting as “premeditated.”
Surveillance footage showed the suspect lying in wait near the hotel. At approximately 6:40 a.m., Thompson exited his hotel and crossed the street to the Hilton, where the masked gunman shot him at close range.
“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. “It appears that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam and begins to fire again.”
The gunman fled on foot into an alley, where a phone believed to be linked to him was later recovered. He then escaped on a bike and was last seen entering Central Park, police said.
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Weapon Details and Investigation
Police believe the suspect used a B&T Station Six firearm, a rare pistol capable of firing nearly silent shots. Investigators are tracking recent purchases of this type of gun, which requires manual cycling of ammunition.
Detectives visited a Connecticut gun shop that recently sold a similar weapon, sources revealed.
Clues from the Crime Scene
Officers recovered a water bottle, candy wrapper, and bullet casings from the scene. The casings bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” Fingerprint and DNA analysis of the items is underway.
Community Shock and Family’s Statement
Brian Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, expressed devastation in a statement:
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”
Neighbors in Minneapolis described Brian Thompson as “impressive” and “the smartest person in the room,” while Paulette Thompson was remembered as “always friendly and very kind.”
Call for Public Assistance
The NYPD urges anyone with information about the case to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.