The assassin who fatally shot the Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealth left cryptic messages engraved on the bullets used in the attack.
Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of the largest health insurer in the United States, was killed on the morning of Wednesday, 4 December, in what police have described as a “brazen targeted attack.” The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, New York, where his company, UnitedHealthcare, was holding an investor conference.
Police sources revealed to ABC News that bullet casings recovered from the scene bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.”
Thompson was shot in the back and leg at approximately 6:40 am as he exited the hotel. Footage from the scene shows the gunman coolly firing multiple shots, even reloading the weapon after a jam, while Thompson struggled to crawl away.
The assailant, described as proficient with firearms and possibly using a silencer, was captured on surveillance cameras approaching Thompson from behind before opening fire. The shooter then fled the scene on a bicycle, heading into Central Park at 6:48 am, according to police reports.
He was last seen wearing a cream-coloured jacket, a black mask, black and white trainers, and carrying a distinctive grey backpack.
Witnesses reported that the gunman appeared to have waited outside the hotel for Thompson’s arrival before launching the attack.
The New York Police Department confirmed that Thompson was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after the shooting.
Police are actively investigating the incident, and the assailant remains at large.
