The search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel has entered its third day, with authorities continuing to piece together details of the tragic premeditated attack. Police have confirmed that Thompson was shot around 6:40 a.m. Thursday in a carefully planned assault near the Hilton Hotel.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the masked shooter arrived at the scene approximately five minutes before Thompson, taking a position in wait. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras shows the chilling moment the gunman approached the victim from behind. The footage captures the gunman drawing his weapon, pointing it at Thompson, and firing a single shot to his chest.
As Thompson stumbled and collapsed to the ground, a witness in the vicinity fled in fear. The shooter, undeterred, approached the fallen CEO and fired multiple more shots before quickly fleeing the scene, disappearing into the streets of Manhattan.
The NYPD has since released new images of the suspect, showing him without his mask, in hopes of gathering information from the public. These photos were obtained from a surveillance camera located at the HI New York City Hostel on the Upper West Side. Authorities are urging anyone who may recognize the individual or have additional details to come forward, stressing the importance of public assistance in the investigation.
Despite an ongoing search effort, the gunman remains at large. The motives behind the shooting remain unclear, and police are exploring all possible leads. Investigators are working diligently to piece together information that could explain why Thompson, a high-profile executive, was targeted in such a violent manner.
Thompson, who was transported to a nearby hospital after the attack, remains in critical condition. His injuries, though grave, have sparked public concern about the state of safety for business leaders and executives in the city.
As the manhunt continues, the NYPD has promised to intensify their efforts to track down the suspect and bring justice to those responsible for the crime. Authorities are hopeful that the release of the new images will lead to crucial tips from the public.