Midtown Shooting: UnitedHealthcare CEO Gunned Down, Suspect Spotted at Starbucks Before Fatal Attack
A shocking murder rocked Midtown this past Wednesday morning, claiming the life of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50. Police are searching for a suspect seen near the scene of the crime moments before the fatal shooting.
Just before the tragedy unfolded, the suspect was captured on surveillance footage inside a Starbucks located at West 56th Street and 6th Avenue, just a short distance from the Hilton Hotel where Thompson was scheduled to speak later that day at an investors’ conference for UnitedHealth Group.
According to the NYPD, Thompson was fatally shot multiple times. The gunman then fled the scene on foot, police said. Authorities believe he later hopped on an e-Citi Bike and escaped into Central Park.
Authorities obtained footage showing the suspect riding a bicycle down Sixth Avenue.
The suspect’s appearance in the killer stills – save for a recognizable hoodie worn by the perpetrator– were released by police in an attempt to identify the individual whom authorities are now attempting to locate.
Thompson was rushed to nearby Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities are treating the case as a targeted assassination. Sources close to the investigation revealed the shooter reportedly staked out the hotel in the hours leading to the unsparing attack.
A Targeted Attack
The motive behind the killing remains unclear but investigators are treating it as a premeditated act. “Every indication shows that this is a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is leading the investigation.
“Every indication shows that this is a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters.
Thompson, who was a father of two, had received threats attributed to his role as CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
The Mastermind’s wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, 51, said her husband had previously received threats professionally.
“Every indication shows that this is a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack, ” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters.
The NYPD did not confirm whether the suspect had a connection to Mr. Thompson or UnitedHealthcare.
No details were given regarding a possible weapon taken from theu scene.
Manhunt for the Suspect
Police are urging anyone with information regarding that could lead to the potential arrest of people to contact@CrimestoppersNYC — Tips can be submitted anonymously.
A reward of $10,000 has been offered for information leading to the apprehension of the gunman.
What key evidence has led investigators to believe this was a targeted assassination?
## Midtown Shooting: An Exclusive Interview
**INT. NEWS STUDIO – DAY**
A well-dressed news anchor sits at the gleaming desk, facing the camera with a somber expression.
**ANCHOR:** Joining us now to discuss this horrific act of violence is Detective Michael Jenkins, who has been following the investigation from the start. Detective, thanks for being here.
**(Camera cuts to Detective Jenkins, a seasoned officer with grim determination etched on his face.)**
**DET. JENKINS:** It’s our pleasure to assist in any way we can to bring this perpetrator to justice.
**ANCHOR:** The brazen daylight assassination of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, has shocked the city. What can you tell us about the investigation so far?
**DET. JENKINS:** We are treating this as a targeted assassination. The evidence suggests that the suspect deliberately sought out Mr. Thompson.
**(Footage of the suspect entering the Starbucks flashes on the screen behind them)**
**DET. JENKINS:** Surveillance footage shows the suspect was seen near the Hilton Hotel, where Mr. Thompson was scheduled to speak later that day, just moments before the shooting.
**ANCHOR:** The suspect’s actions seem well planned. Can you tell us about their escape?
**DET. JENKINS:** After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on foot and was later seen riding an e-Citi Bike into Central Park.
**(Footage of the suspect fleeing on a bicycle is shown.)**
**ANCHOR:** Authorities have released images of the suspect. Whatбари information are you hoping to gain from the public?
**DET. JENKINS:** anyone who may have seen this individual in the area of the Hilton Hotel or Central Park around the time of the shooting. Any information, no matter how small, could be extremely valuable.
**(The camera zooms in on the suspect’s hooded face, captured in the released stills.)**
**ANCHOR:** This is a tragic loss for Mr. Thompson’s family and the entire community. What message would you like to send to the public, detective?
**DET. JENKINS:** We are actively pursuing every lead in this investigation. We will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice. We urge anyone with any information to come forward and help bring closure to this terrible crime.
**(Camera fades back to the news anchor.)**
**ANCHOR:** Detective Michael Jenkins, thank you for your time and dedication to this case. We will continue to follow this story closely and update our viewers as new information becomes available.
**(Logo of the news channel fades in as the segment ends.)**
