New York Police Department has released images of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Courtesy: NYPDnews/X)
In a stunning and tragic turn of events, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare—the largest health insurance company in the U.S.—was gunned down early Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. The incident occurred at 6:46 a.m., just as Thompson was reportedly heading to an annual investor conference.
A Chilling Message
Investigators revealed a chilling detail about the crime: the words “deny, defend, and depose” were reportedly written on the ammunition used in the attack. Detectives are treating the phrase as a potential message left by the suspect, though its full significance remains unclear.
The Suspect’s Escape
The suspect, who had been loitering around the Hilton before the attack, fled the scene and is still at large. New video footage released by authorities shows the alleged assailant biking out of Central Park shortly after the shooting.
Threats Against Thompson
Thompson’s wife provided a potential lead, telling NBC News that her husband had received threats in the past. While she did not specify who may have been behind them, she suggested they might have stemmed from disputes related to insurance coverage—an issue that has long made health insurance executives a target of public frustration.
Public Reaction and Reward
The online reaction has been intense, with many speculating about the motive behind the crime. Some point to systemic issues within the health insurance industry, while others express shock and sadness over such a violent act.
Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
What’s Next?
As detectives work to piece together the circumstances of this crime, questions about motive, the suspect’s identity, and the meaning behind the cryptic phrase remain unanswered.
BG Squad, what’s your take on this shocking development? Let us know in the comments below.
