Street shooting in Midtown Manhattan: Police relies on technology to find the gunman

UnitedHealthcare CEO is killed outside a hotel where the company was holding a meeting

CEO of insurance company UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was fatally shot outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Experts say it was a highly targeted attack. Police hunt a gunman in Manhattan using surveillance footage and other technology.

The killer was methodical and used a firearm with a silencer, according to investigators. "Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot repeatedly by a masked man.

The victim was holding an investor meeting in the luxury hotel while the shooter was waiting just outside of the building. The shooting took place around 6:45 a.m., and B. Thompson was shot in the chest and leg^[1].

Amar Abdelmula, a driver who witnessed the shooting, described hearing the shot and seeing the shooter run across the street. "I was shocked," he said. "I was afraid of being shot too." He also mentioned seeing the shooter use a silenced black gun.

"Brazen, targeted attack" and not a random act of violence

According to law enforcement, the gunman appeared at the scene around five minutes earlier on foot and waited around until B. Thompson appeared in the street. The security video shows the victim, dressed in a blue suit, walking down the quiet, fairly empty street. He was going to the meeting where he was planning to speak.

The gunman managed to approach him from behind and opened fire. After the first blow, Thompson stumbled, people ran to safety, and the gunman continued to fire as he was leaving the scene.

The New York police department chief of detectives, Joseph Kenny, said that officers found the victim. He was on the sidewalk in front of the Hilton Hotel with gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead at 7.12 am^[2].

Authorities said the gun seemed to jam, but the shooter fixed it before firing again and running into an alley between 54th and 55th Streets. He then walked west on the Avenue of the Americas, hopped onto an electric Citi Bike, and rode north toward Central Park.

Police found three live 9mm rounds, three used 9mm shell casings, and a cellphone. The shooter was described as a light-skinned man wearing a light-brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and a noticeable grey backpack.

Search for the gunman continues: $10,000 for information

Police are actively searching for the gunman responsible for the death of Brian Thompson and are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that could help solve the case. A flyer released by authorities includes two surveillance photos: one showing the suspect, dressed in all black with a grey backpack and holding a firearm, and another of him on a bicycle^[3].

Later, the NYPD released an additional image showing the suspect in a dark jacket, reportedly taken inside a Starbucks just minutes before the shooting. The New York Times reported that the suspect knew precisely when and where Thompson would arrive.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

The New York Hilton Midtown, where the incident occurred, expressed condolences in a statement, directing further inquiries to the NYPD. New York Mayor Eric Adams said the shooting did not appear to be random, stating it was "clearly targeted. He assured the public that police gathered evidence, including video footage, to track the suspect.

Technology and city cameras help gather evidence

Surveillance cameras captured the gunman several times, including moments when he stood alone on West 54th Street, seemingly waiting. These cameras were vital in piecing together his movements, showing him at 6:44 a.m. locking onto his target, Thompson, just before the shooting.

Witnesses, many of whom were on their way to the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting, were shocked as the event unfolded in the heart of Manhattan. Police have been carefully reviewing this footage and searching for additional clues left behind by the suspect.

After the shooting, investigators turned to other technologies to help identify the shooter. They found key evidence, including a phone and a water bottle, that the gunman may have dropped as he fled. Police believe the phone, discovered near the Hilton Hotel, could contain critical information^[4].

A search warrant was obtained, and investigators hope to find fingerprints, DNA, or messages that could lead them to the suspect. Even if the phone is a "burner" used temporarily, it might still provide valuable clues, like communication or search history before the crime.

Authorities also gathered additional video evidence. Footage from a nearby Starbucks shows the suspect buying a bottle of water and energy bars about 30 minutes before the shooting. The gunman was also seen earlier on the Upper West Side, where he appeared to be carrying an electric bike battery, possibly hinting that he had planned his escape using an electric bike. Investigators are trying to determine whether the bike was pre-positioned or if the suspect used public transportation from the Upper West Side to Midtown.

Despite his careful actions, the suspect left behind vital clues. Police also use facial recognition technology and other resources to match the suspect's footage to public records, hoping to identify him. They believe the shooter is a light-skinned male seen wearing a distinctive outfit.

Family members express grief as law enforcement closes in on the suspect

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, revealed that her husband had received threats before the incident. She also shared that the police had suggested the shooting seemed to be a "planned attack." Struggling to process the news, she said, "I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children."

UnitedHealthcare, where Thompson was CEO, expressed deep sadness over his death. "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson," the statement read. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and those close to him."

Thompson, who became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, had a long career with UnitedHealth Group, starting in 2004. Before becoming CEO, he led the company's government programs, including Medicare.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his sorrow over the loss, calling the news "horrifying" and sending prayers to Thompson's family and the UnitedHealthcare team. The police in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where Thompson lived, confirmed that they had notified his family of the tragic news.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who represents Minnesota, called the shooting a "horrifying and shocking act of violence" and extended her thoughts to Thompson's family and colleagues.

Thompson’s sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, also spoke with the New York Times, saying, "He was a good person, and I am so sad." She shared that Thompson was a loving father to his two children and was on her way to be with the family.