The search for the gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealth executive Brian Thomson has taken a new turn, with authorities now believing the suspect has left New York City.
As the investigation passes the crucial 48-hour mark, police are racing against time to gather evidence and spark a search for his killer.
A Targeted Attack in Midtown Manhattan
CSB News reports that Thomson, 50, CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit, earning compensation of $10.2 million, according to a disclosure by UnitedHealth Group. He was shot in the back on Wednesday in what police described as a premeditated assault. The gunman, who arrived at the scene about five minutes before Thomson, fired at the executive outside the Hilton Midtown hotel where UnitedHealth was hosting an investor conference.
Also, before joining UnitedHealth Group, Thompson worked as a certified public accountant at the accounting firm PwC, according to his LinkedIn profile. Thompson graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and most recently resided in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
New Evidence Points to Suspect’s Departure
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed that new video footage shows the suspect entering the Port Authority Bus Terminal. “We don’t have any video of him exiting, so we believe he may have gotten on a bus,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, suggesting the gunman may have fled via interstate transportation.
The Race Against Time
Security experts warn that the first 48 hours after such a crime are critical for catching the perpetrator. Felipe Rodriguez, a former NYPD detective, likened the case to a complex jigsaw puzzle, emphasizing the urgency of recovering key pieces of evidence such as the gun, bicycle, and backpack used in the crime.
Clues and Theories Emerge
Investigators have uncovered several intriguing details:
- The suspect allegedly arrived in New York 10 days before the shooting on a bus from Atlanta.
- Shell casings found at the scene reportedly had the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” carved into them, potentially referencing criticism of the insurance industry.
- Police believe the shooter was experienced with firearms, based on the methodical execution of the attack.
Industry-Wide Security Concerns
In the wake of the shooting, UnitedHealth and other major health insurers have heightened security measures, including removing executive photos from corporate websites. Centene has opted to stream its upcoming Investor Day event rather than hold it in person.
Within hours, a manhunt was underway for the gunman, and tributes to Thompson were circulating online.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement, adding that it is working closely with the NYPD. “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
As the investigation continues, authorities offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. With the suspect potentially crossing state lines, the manhunt has expanded, adding new complexity to an already challenging case.
Someone Might Say
In parts of Harlem and some of the other Harlems around the world, where systemic healthcare inequities run deep, Thompson’s murder sparks complex conversations. As the CEO of the nation’s largest health insurer, he represented a system many community members have long viewed with suspicion—a corporate machine that often seems more interested in profits than people’s well-being.
Is this theory circulating? This wasn’t just a murder. It was a statement about healthcare’s broken promises some might say.
What is UnitedHealth Group?
UnitedHealth Group is among the nation’s largest healthcare companies and provides health insurance, pharmacy benefits, and healthcare services.
Its health insurance unit, UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 29 million U.S. individuals, according to the company’s website. In 2024, United Healthcare ranked number 8 on the Fortune Global 500, and its parent company, UnitedHealth Group employs 439,000 people, generating $379.5 billion in revenue in 2024, according to Forbes.
Editor’s Note: Violence is never an answer to any problem.
Photo credit: 1) Brian Thomson, Wikipedia. 2) Security camera, NYC, Crime Stoppers.
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