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The FBI on Friday announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification of the suspect involved in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on December 4.
The FBI is collaborating with the New York City Police Department to track down the gunman, who fatally shot the 50-year-old executive and may have left the city via bus, according to NYPD officials.
"We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City," Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton hotel at 1335 Avenue of the Americas just after 6:45 am (local time) of Wednesday morning after arriving early for the company’s annual investor conference. A man wearing a mask approached him and fired at him repeatedly, police said as per CBS news.
Movements captured on camera
Despite wearing a mask during the attack, the perpetrator's actions were captured by the city's extensive security camera network. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed surveillance footage showing the suspect cycling to Central Park after the incident, followed by a taxi ride to a bus terminal.
Footages obtained by law enforcement captures the suspect riding the subway and visiting various locations in Manhattan in the days leading up to the attack, offering more insights into his movements.
The individual consistently used cash payments at establishments that were captured on camera, the official noted.
The assailant's location and identity remain unknown, along with the motive for Wednesday's homicide. Although, New York City authorities confirm evidence indicates a deliberate targeting.
How did the murder take place
Brian Thompson was killed early morning Wednesday as he reached the New York Hilton Midtown hotel to prepare for an investors' day gathering. The killer arrived outside the hotel and precisely outside the gate through which Thompson was supposed to enter the hotel.
As Thompson walked toward the hotel entrance, the killer approached him from behind and fired at least three shots with a pistol that had a silencer.
As caught in the surveillance footage, the gun got jammed but the killer was skilled enough to cleat that and continued firing. Brian Thompson turned back to face the killer and then collapsed. The killer walked toward him slowly and fired a last shot.
What are the clues found so far
Police reported discovering a water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a nearby bin on Thursday, believed to be purchased by the suspect from Starbucks shortly before the attack.
The killer was seen speaking on a phone before the murder. It's not yet confirmed if the phone found has any link to the murder. The shell casings of the bullets had the words "deny", "defend" and "depose" written on them.
These words are somewhat similar to the title of a 2010 book "Delay Deny Defend". The book is on insurance claims and UnitedHealthcare is also an insurance company -- a subdivision of UnitedHealth Group.
'Police on right road to apprehend him'
Eric Adams, the NY Mayor, expressed confidence in the police's ability to catch the shooter during interviews, despite not sharing new details about the investigation's status. "We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice," he told TV station WPIX.
Police officials believe the suspect potentially arrived in NY via a bus from Atlanta. Authorities are working with Greyhound to gather information and verify if the individual purchased a ticket to New York in late November.
Analysing mobile phone data, examining DNA
The investigation team is also analysing data from a mobile phone discovered in a pedestrian plaza where the shooter escaped.
According to DS Komendat Risk Management Services, Dave Komendat, certain organisations employ protective intelligence units that utilise digital technologies, including machine learning or artificial intelligence, to analyse online comments for threats across social media platforms like X and the dark web.
These units monitor discussions about the company, its staff, and leadership to identify potential risks. Law enforcement officials are examining DNA and fingerprints from items found near the crime scene.
Companies address security concerns
Following the incident, UnitedHealthcare took steps to remove executive photographs from its website, subsequently eliminating their names and biographical information as well.
Healthcare executive meetings, such as the one Brian Thompson was attending before his shooting, are considered high-risk events by numerous organisations, primarily because meeting details and speaker information are publicly available.
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