NEW YORK — Police have made a major breakthrough in the investigation of the murder of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. On Monday, New York’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, announced that a 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the killing.
The suspect was apprehended after police received a tip that he had been spotted at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. Upon his arrest, police found a weapon that matched the gun used to kill Thompson, as well as clothing and a mask consistent with those worn by the shooter. They also discovered a fraudulent New Jersey ID that matched the one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting.
Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday in what police have described as a “brazen, targeted” attack. He was walking alone to the Hilton from a nearby hotel where UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, was holding its annual investor conference. The shooter, who appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes,” approached Thompson from behind and opened fire with a 9mm pistol that resembled a gun used by farmers to put down animals without causing a loud noise.
In the days following the shooting, the police turned to the public for help by releasing photos and video footage of the attack, as well as images of the suspect at a Starbucks before the incident. Photos taken in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side showed the suspect grinning after removing his mask.
Investigators have suggested that the gunman may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer. Ammunition found near Thompson’s body bore the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” which mimic a phrase used by insurance industry critics.
Despite his efforts to conceal his identity, the gunman left a trail of evidence that ultimately led to his arrest. This included a backpack he ditched in Central Park, a cellphone found in a pedestrian plaza, and a water bottle and protein bar wrapper that he purchased at Starbucks just minutes before the attack.
The latest development in the case comes as the search for Thompson’s killer enters its sixth day. Dogs and divers have returned to New York’s Central Park, where investigators have been combing the area since the shooting. They have been searching at least one of the park’s ponds for three days.
On Friday, police found the backpack that they believe the killer discarded as he fled the crime scene. They believe he then left the city on a bus from an uptown bus station.
Using surveillance video to retrace the gunman’s steps, investigators have determined that he fled into Central Park on a bicycle, emerged without his backpack, and then ditched the bicycle. He then walked a few blocks and got into a taxi, which took him to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. This station, located near the northern tip of Manhattan, offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington.
The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, in addition to the $10,000 reward offered by the NYPD. Police believe that the suspect acted alone.
Late Saturday, the NYPD released two additional photos of the suspect, believed to be taken from a camera mounted inside a taxi. In both photos, his face is partially obscured by a blue mask.
Throughout the park search, the NYPD has taken steps to minimize disruption to visitors, leading to an unusual scene of joggers, tourists, and an active crime scene. On Monday, a small section of the park was cordoned off with police tape, giving divers searching a pond an area to change and enter the water. K-9 units were also seen sniffing around leaf-covered planters and walking paths.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the park remains open to visitors, and the NYPD is working to minimize any inconvenience. On Monday, a group of French-speaking tourists were unable to continue their tour due to the police tape, but many of them took the opportunity to snap a photo of the divers.
The arrest of the suspect brings hope for justice for the family and loved ones of Brian Thompson. The swift action of the NYPD and the cooperation of the public have been crucial in this case, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in keeping our cities safe. As the investigation continues, we can only hope for a swift resolution and closure for all those affected by this tragic event.
