December 6th 2024.
On Friday, police officials provided an update on the investigation into the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. It has been three days since the brazen attack, but the gunman's whereabouts and motive are still unknown. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny spoke to reporters, stating that they are looking into the possibility that the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer.
According to Kenny, video footage shows the gunman fleeing the scene of the shooting on Wednesday. He rode a bicycle into Central Park and later took a taxi to a bus terminal. From there, he could have boarded a commuter bus to New Jersey or a Greyhound bus to Philadelphia, Boston, or Washington, D.C. However, police have not been able to locate any footage of the suspect exiting the bus station, leading them to believe that he has left the city. CNN was the first to report that the suspect may have escaped by bus.
Investigators also believe that the shooter may have left a backpack in Central Park. They are currently conducting a massive search in the park's vast area, which includes lakes, ponds, meadows, playgrounds, and a densely wooded section known as "The Ramble." As dusk approached on Friday, officers were seen combing through the area.
The gunman took great care to conceal his identity during the attack and even while he was eating. However, he left behind a trail of evidence that was captured by New York City's extensive network of security cameras. The shooting occurred just blocks away from iconic landmarks such as Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, making it difficult for the gunman to remain unnoticed.
According to Kenny, the suspect arrived in New York City on November 24, getting off a bus that originated in Atlanta and made several stops along the way. A law enforcement official also revealed that surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan in the days leading up to the shooting. He paid with cash at these places, ensuring that he left no trace of his identity.
In their search for the suspect, investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper for DNA. They are also trying to obtain information from a cellphone that was found along the gunman's escape route.
Photos of the suspected shooter were released by the police, showing him smiling in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side. These images, along with footage of the attack and the suspect at a Starbucks beforehand, provide more clues about his actions leading up to the shooting.
The gunman was wearing a hooded jacket and a mask during the attack, which would not have been out of the ordinary on a chilly morning. However, he lowered his mask at the front desk of the hostel, revealing his face to the woman who checked him in. She later told investigators that she had asked to see his smile, and he obliged by pulling down his mask. This encounter led to a photo of his face, providing the police with a crucial piece of evidence.
Investigators also believe that the suspect used a fake identification card and paid in cash when he checked into the hostel. The shooter had at least some firearms training and experience with guns, according to the law enforcement official.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the health insurance industry, causing companies to reassess their security plans and remove photos of executives from their websites. Another Minnesota-based health care company has even closed its offices temporarily as a precautionary measure, asking employees to work from home.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, has expressed their condolences and stated that their focus is on supporting Thompson's family, ensuring the safety of their employees, and assisting with the investigation. They also thanked the public for their outpouring of support during this difficult time.
UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for over 49 million Americans and manages health insurance for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs. In October, the company was named in a Senate report that highlighted their high denial rate for prior authorizations for some Medicare Advantage patients.
As the investigation continues, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The 9NEWS app is available for download, and users can stay updated on the latest developments in the case. Our hearts go out to Thompson's family and colleagues during this tragic time.
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