MIDDTOWN, Manhattan (WPIX) – A bullet found on the ground where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot to death on Wednesday had writing written on it, a law enforcement source told Nexstar’s WPIX.
Sources said three bullets found at the scene were engraved with the words “defend,” “banish,” and “reject.” The New York City Police Department is investigating whether the word has any meaning.
The Associated Press reported that the language on the ammunition may be a reference to a strategy used by insurance companies to avoid paying claims.
According to the NYPD, Thompson, 50, was shot in front of the Hilton Hotel on 54th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Midtown. He was headed to a hotel to attend the company’s annual investor conference, but the meeting was suspended after the shooting.
The hotel is just blocks from attractions such as Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.
NYPD offers $10,000 reward for information in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting incident
Authorities said a masked suspect was waiting at the hotel for the CEO’s arrival. Security video showed what appeared to be a gun silencer being fired into Thompson’s back and leg.
One video shows the suspect approaching Thompson from behind, leveling his pistol and firing several shots, barely stopping to clear the gun from a slight jam, before the dying health executive tumbles to the pavement. It was reflected.
The New York City Police Department has offered a $10,000 reward for information in the December 4, 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown. (Credit: WPIX/NYPD)
The suspect then fled into an alley between 54th and 55th Streets and entered Central Park on an electric bicycle. Police said a cellphone found in an alley was recovered as evidence.
Authorities said he was also seen buying a water bottle at Starbucks before the shooting.
The NYPD said there was no audio recording of the shooting and it was unclear if any words were exchanged. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Police conducted a frantic search using drones, helicopters and dogs, but the suspect remained unknown until late Wednesday night.
Thompson’s wife told NBC News that there had been “some kind of threats” against him.
“All I know is that he said there were people who were threatening him,” she said.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the shooting.
This is a developing story.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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