UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York, sparking a intense manhunt for the suspect. Two new photos of the suspect, wearing a blue medical mask, have been released. The killer’s identity may have been determined as police found a backpack with a jacket and fake money from a Monopoly game belonging to the suspect in Central Park.
Thompson was shot outside a Hilton hotel and the shooter, wearing a hooded jacket and balaclava, fled on an electric bike into Central Park. The suspect is believed to have left the city by bus, with video evidence placing him at an uptown bus station. The motive for the attack is unknown, but bullet casings with the words “delay,” “depose,” and “deny” were found at the scene.
Social media has been filled with criticism towards UnitedHealthcare and the health insurance industry following the killing. Comments suggested a possible motive related to disgruntled policy holders and anger towards CEOs profiting from denying care. Former CIGNA executive Wendell Potter noted that the shooting provided an opportunity for people to vent their frustration against the health insurance industry.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that the search for the killer was progressing, but declined to confirm whether the suspect’s identity had been determined. Authorities are working to track down the suspect and bring him to justice.
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