Authorities in New York City believe they may have found a crucial piece of evidence in the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A gray backpack, suspected to belong to the gunman, was discovered near Central Park and could provide the breakthrough investigators need to solve the case. Thompson was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4, in what police have described as a targeted attack.
The suspect, seen fleeing the scene on a bicycle, was tracked through surveillance footage that revealed he later ditched the backpack near the park. Inside, investigators reportedly found personal items and clues that may help identify the assailant. Police have yet to disclose the full contents of the bag but have released images of the suspect, urging the public to assist in the investigation.
CBS News wrote here:
The officials told CBS News it’s not clear what the backpack contained. The New York Police Department said the backpack was being analyzed to determine if it belonged to the suspect, who is believed to have disposed of his backpack in Central Park as he was fleeing Wednesday’s shooting in midtown Manhattan.
CBS News obtained photos of the backpack from the NYPD Friday night.
🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS… CEO assassin’s backpack has just been found. Police discovered it between 2 boulders south of Carousel in Central Park. Taken to Queens for forensics.
Trying to stay humble😉…but totally called this. See my tweet from earlier today👇🏻 https://t.co/1otgYGPCNi pic.twitter.com/2KVtvEYfR9
— Steve Norris (@SteveNorrisTV) December 7, 2024
But there’s more:
Yes…he definitely did! There is a Nest vid of him exiting Central Park at W 85th St. 👇🏻👇🏻He no longer had the backpack on at that time. ((Hope police check trashcans in the park for anything he might have ditched)) pic.twitter.com/rU4uxzeu4J
— Steve Norris (@SteveNorrisTV) December 6, 2024
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*NYPD detectives find backpack believed to carried by gunman who fatally shot CEO*
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Scrutiny on UnitedHealthcare Practices Intensifies
The murder of Thompson has not only shaken the corporate world but also reignited discussions about UnitedHealthcare’s controversial business practices. As CEO, Thompson faced criticism for the company’s handling of medical claims and ongoing antitrust investigations. Reports have also surfaced about potential insider trading, with Thompson and other executives allegedly selling millions in stock shortly before the Department of Justice probe became public.
Here are five recent stories from PoliNews related to UnitedHealthcare:
- “UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Reportedly Backed Controversial AI Program That Denied 90% Of Patient Claims”
This article discusses how Brian Thompson supported an AI program that allegedly denied a significant portion of patient claims, leading to widespread criticism.
https://polinews.org/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-reportedly-backed-controversial-ai-program-that-denied-90-of-patient-claims/ - “Major Health Insurance Companies Seemingly Removing Leadership Pages That Have Photos And Names Of Their Executives After UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Death”
Following the tragic death of Brian Thompson, other insurance companies have reportedly taken down online profiles of their executives, possibly as a security measure.
https://polinews.org/major-health-insurance-companies-seemingly-removing-leadership-pages-that-have-photos-and-names-of-their-executives-after-unitedhealthcare-ceos-death/ - “UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Final LinkedIn Post Revealed—And The Responses Are Absolutely Wild”
This piece reveals the unexpected and intense reactions to Brian Thompson’s last LinkedIn post before his untimely death.
https://polinews.org/unitedhealthcare-ceos-final-linkedin-post-revealed-and-the-responses-are-absolutely-wild/ - “NYPD Releases New Photos Of Suspected Hitman Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Without His Mask On”
The NYPD has unveiled new images of the alleged assassin of Brian Thompson, providing clearer visuals without the suspect’s mask.
https://polinews.org/nypd-releases-new-photos-of-suspected-hitman-of-unitedhealthcare-ceo-without-his-mask-on/ - “NYPD Reveals Chilling Words On Shell Casings Discovered At The Scene Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Tragedy”
Investigators found unsettling messages inscribed on bullet casings at the scene of Thompson’s murder, shedding light on potential motives.
https://polinews.org/nypd-reveals-chilling-words-on-shell-casings-discovered-at-the-scene-of-unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-tragedy/
Chilling Details of the Crime Scene
Investigators have revealed that the weapon used in the attack was a rare, silenced B&T Station SIX pistol—a highly sophisticated firearm linked to espionage operations. The choice of weapon, combined with other details from the scene, has led police to believe this was a premeditated assassination.
Adding to the intrigue, bullet casings found at the scene bore the words “Deny,” “Depose,” and “Defend,” mirroring criticisms of the insurance industry’s practices.
The suspect’s actions indicate a high level of planning and sophistication. Surveillance footage showed him methodically navigating the city before disappearing into Central Park. He later abandoned the backpack, which authorities now believe could contain his DNA or other identifying evidence.
“The backpack is a critical find. It could provide not only physical evidence but also insight into the suspect’s background and motives.”
Source: PoliNews
It took NYPD three days to find the backpack left within walking distance of the shooting https://t.co/3P9WZbea5Z
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 6, 2024
Motive Still Unclear
While some speculate that Thompson’s murder is linked to his role as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, police have not confirmed any motive. The chilling nature of the attack has sparked outrage and concern, with critics pointing to the wider implications of corporate malpractice.
UnitedHealth Group has expressed condolences to Thompson’s family and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. The company has also stated its commitment to continuing Thompson’s work, despite the tragic circumstances.
As investigators piece together the evidence, the discovery of the backpack may prove to be the breakthrough they need. The public is urged to come forward with any information that could help bring the suspect to justice.
Featured image via public domain