Police Seek Help in UnitedHealth Executive's Shooting

NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York police are examining surveillance videos and soliciting public assistance to find the masked assailant who fatally shot a UnitedHealth executive in Midtown Manhattan.

Brian Thompson, 50, CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance unit and a father of two, was shot from behind in what police have described as a bold and premeditated attack shortly before the company’s annual investor conference at the Hilton on Sixth Avenue.

Authorities have released several photos of the suspect captured by security cameras during his time in New York. The shooter, who has not yet been publicly identified, was last seen riding an electric bicycle into Central Park.

Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Notably, the words "deny," "defend," and "depose" were found carved into shell casings at the scene, according to sources. These words reference Jay Feinman's 2010 book critical of the insurance industry titled "Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It." Feinman, a professor emeritus at Rutgers University Law School, opted not to comment.

UnitedHealth stands as the largest health insurer in the U.S., providing coverage to millions. Thompson joined the company in 2004 and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.

Investigators believe the suspect arrived in New York City on November 24 after traveling from Atlanta by bus. According to CNN, the suspect checked into a hostel using a false ID and paid in cash.

Detectives suspect the assailant had firearms experience based on the methodical execution of the shooting. Security footage reveals that the shooter, who wore a hooded sweatshirt and ski mask, approached Thompson from behind before firing, deliberately ignoring other pedestrians.

Reports indicate that a phone belonging to the shooter was found in an alleyway he fled through, along with a water bottle purchased shortly before the attack. However, a fingerprint on the bottle was too smudged for identification.

New York boasts an extensive surveillance system, largely developed post-9/11, with thousands of cameras enabling real-time monitoring and past video reviews, enhanced by facial recognition technology.