UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Murder: A Disturbing Timeline
An unidentified gunman approached UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson from behind Wednesday morning and opened fire outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, then vanished into the streets of the Big Apple, prompting a large-scale manhunt.
Authorities have not revealed a motive, but after bullet casings at the scene were found with words “deny”, “depose” and “defend” written on them – a possible reference to the book “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It” – speculation swirled that the slaying may have grown out of resentment for a denied claim.
Thompson was separated from his wife, Paulette, at the time of his death and the Minnesota-based firm’s parent company laid off workers in multiple states in September, according to The Star-Tribune.
As authorities retrace the suspected assassin’s steps, a chilling timeline of events begins to unfold.
Days leading up to the incident, police sources reveal that the suspect traveled by Greyhound bus from Atlanta, Georgia, to New York City. Upon arrival, he checked into a hostel near Central Park, cleverly using a fake ID and paying with cash—an eerie signal of premeditation.
The Events of That Fateful Morning
Before the attack, critical surveillance footage emerged. A Midtown coffee shop captured the masked suspect’s movements, while video from outside the Stage Star Deli on 55th Street showed him loitering moments before the shooting.
Surveillance cameras documented the harrowing ambush. The footage shows the attacker waiting outside the venue, stepping behind Thompson as he approached from another hotel, and firing shots into his back and chest, a gut-wrenching image of betrayal.
Emergency services arrived within minutes, yet Thompson, a dedicated leader attending a work-related conference, was already unconscious and unresponsive. He was swiftly transported to a hospital but tragically succumbed to his wounds.
After the shooting, cameras continued to track the suspect’s movement. He discarded a phone in an alley, leaving behind potential evidence for the NYPD to analyze. The suspect then fled north on a bike, avoiding the frantic search that ensued across Central Park.
Video footage later showed a man matching the gunman’s description cycling on the Upper West Side, a significant distance from the scene of the crime, and unburdened by the backpack seen earlier.
By Friday morning, police were scouring Central Park, seeking out any clues that could lead to an arrest in this chilling case.
In an effort to lure the suspect out of hiding, the NYPD announced a $10,000 reward, urging the public to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), ensuring all tips remain confidential.
In a city like New York, where the buzz of life often drowns out whispers of tragedy, a moment of silence is essential. Each life lost echoes in the bustling streets, a grim reminder of the fragility of existence.
Fox News’ Alexis McAdams, Julia Bonavita, and Christina Coulter contributed to this report.
