A chilling early-morning assassination rocked New York City as Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was gunned down near the New York Hilton Midtown. The masked assailant, who meticulously carried out the attack, may have had an accomplice, according to former FBI special agent Terry Rankhorn.
What do we know so far about the killing of UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson?
Former FBI special agent Terry Rankhorn tells us everything we need to know#KayBurley SS pic.twitter.com/Zz9dAS64CR
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) December 5, 2024
A Calculated Attack
The shooting occurred around 6:45 a.m. as Thompson, 50, walked from his hotel to UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny reported that the shooter had arrived outside the hotel mere minutes before Thompson and waited, ignoring other passersby until the CEO approached. The gunman fired several rounds, despite a brief weapon malfunction, before fleeing on an electric bike.
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Witnesses described a calm, calculated attacker wearing a jacket, face mask, and a large backpack. The gunman disappeared into Central Park shortly after the incident, leaving authorities scrambling for clues. Police recovered shell casings with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” inscribed—terms that resonate within the insurance industry, hinting at a possible motive.
Evidence Points to Accomplice
Rankhorn suggested that the precision and timing of the attack indicated the possibility of an accomplice acting as a spotter. “The shooter’s brief presence at the scene suggests a second individual could have been alerting them to the target’s approach,” he explained. This coordination would have minimized the gunman’s exposure and reduced the risk of detection.
The assailant’s behavior further underscored a professional approach. According to Rankhorn, video footage shows the shooter pacing behind Thompson, aiming with precision and firing with practiced composure. The use of a silencer, proficiency in handling weapon malfunctions, and a seamless escape plan suggest advanced training.
Evidence Left Behind
While the assassin displayed a high level of sophistication, police discovered several clues that may lead to a breakthrough. Surveillance footage captured the suspect purchasing items from a nearby Starbucks shortly before the shooting. A water bottle and protein bar wrapper, retrieved from a trash can near the crime scene, have been sent for expedited fingerprint analysis. Additionally, a phone possibly linked to the shooter was found in an alleyway nearby.
Rankhorn called these mistakes “amateurish,” contrasting them with the otherwise professional execution of the crime. “Leaving behind key evidence like candy wrappers, a water bottle, and especially a phone could provide law enforcement with valuable forensic leads,” he noted.
The Hunt for the Killer
As the investigation continues, the NYPD has not disclosed whether detectives believe an accomplice was involved. However, Rankhorn expressed confidence that the evidence gathered—such as the suspect’s earlier movements—could lead to an identification soon. “The police now have a firm location of the subject from earlier in the day, when they were likely less cautious about concealing their identity,” he said.
This meticulously planned yet flawed assassination has left New York City on edge as law enforcement works tirelessly to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. With mounting evidence, the pressure is on to uncover the truth behind Thompson’s shocking murder.
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Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
