(NewsNation) — The person who killed the head of one of America’s biggest insurance companies left behind shell casings and a discarded cell phone that are now being tested, the New York Police Department said.
United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a Hilton in NYC while walking to the company’s annual investor conference. According to law enforcement, the killer shot Thompson in the back and leg before fleeing on a bike and disappearing into Central Park. At one point, the shooter’s gun jammed, but they were able to clear it and fire again before taking off.
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The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD) -
The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD)
This was a premeditated attack, police said. They called it “brazen” and “targeted.”
The words “deny,” “depose” and “defend” were written on the shell casings found at the scene of the shooting, police sources said to NewsNation local affiliate WPIX.
Some people are speculating that the words are connected to a book published in 2010 about health insurance claims. The book, called “Delay, Deny, Defend,” talks about the methods insurance companies use to reject requests for medical coverage. It is described on Amazon as an “expose of insurance injustice.”
An official motive for the killing has not been revealed. The book’s author declined to comment.
NBC News reports Thompson’s wife said he was threatened in the past, alluding to possible issues with health insurance coverage.
Surveillance photos released by police show the suspect at a Starbucks just minutes before the shooting.
He may have left a water bottle and candy bar wrapper there, police said. Forensic tests are being run on both.
Police posted a picture of someone they said is a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the attack.
“The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing,” the NYPD said on X.
Who was Brian Thompson?
Thompson, 50, was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021 and oversaw its insurance division. In 2023, he helped the company bring in $281 billion in revenue. Between his base pay, bonuses and stock option, Thompson is said to have made over $10 million last year.
Family members said in a statement that Thompson was a loving father to two boys and a talented man who lived life to the fullest.
Earlier this year, Thompson was sued by the Hollywood Firefighters’ Pension Fund for insider trading and fraud. Executives at United Healthcare were being investigated by the Department of Justice over allegedly running a monopoly and unfairly blocking out competitors.
