Suspect in slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO linked to Atlanta Greyhound station
The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed that it is working with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in investigating the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of insurer UnitedHealthcare.
A suspect in the shooting, which occurred outside the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, has been linked to a Greyhound bus station in Atlanta, sources told CBS News. The unidentified assailant is believed to have entered New York City by bus, possibly beginning his journey in Atlanta.
To date, authorities have released very little information, except for a photo of a white male at a hostel counter, believed to be the suspect. The assailant fled the scene on foot, taking a Citi Bike into Central Park, and has not been seen since, according to the NYPD.
Thompson, 50, was murdered on Wednesday morning, suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
Police have said the slaying was a targeted, premeditated attack. Bullet shell casings recovered at the scene had the the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” written on them. Social media users were quick to point out this is likely a reference to 2010 book by Jay Feinman, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, about insurance company malfeasance.
Released surveillance video of the murder showed the suspect lying in wait for Thompson and shooting him in the back as he walked by. A witness can be seen fleeing. Authorities said they are attempting to identify the witness, as the person has yet to come forward.
The NYPD believes the suspect arrived in New York City just before Thanksgiving. Thompson was scheduled to attend his company’s annual investor conference, held in the ballroom at the New York Hilton Hotel on Wednesday morning.
In response to reports of the Atlanta Police Department joining the investigation, the department released the following statement:
"As of this afternoon, on December 6, 2024, the Atlanta Police Department was contacted by the NYPD and will now be providing assistance as needed. The NYPD is the lead agency in this investigation, so please direct all questions to their Public Affairs Office. The Atlanta Police Department will not be able to provide interviews or answer any questions regarding this investigation."
Investigators are still combing through video from hundreds of security cameras all over New York City for clues. The NYPD has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the assailant.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.