Brian Thompson's alleged killer seen buying snacks at Starbucks 15 minutes before fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO

New details have emerged in the case surrounding the tragic death of Brian Thompson, as investigative reports indicate the alleged assailant was captured on surveillance footage purchasing snacks from a local Starbucks shortly before the fatal attack.

On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot from behind by an unidentified alleged assailant, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

Initial investigations suggest that the alleged suspect had prior knowledge of Thompson's movements, specifically the door through which he would emerge before delivering a planned speech on the company's 2025 financial outlook.

Brian Thompson became CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the health benefits division of UnitedHealth Group, in April 2021. Since joining the company in 2004, he has held leadership roles in finance, corporate development, and government programs, including overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, and retirement services for millions across the U.S.

---

Surveillance shows the alleged killer at Starbucks before Brian Thompson's shooting

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, an unidentified person, suspected to be the allged killer, was seen at a Starbucks outlet purchasing snacks shortly before the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to Daily Mail.

Surveillance footage shows the man dressed entirely in black, including a jacket with a hood that concealed his face, a black balaclava, and black jeans. He was carrying a grey backpack on his shoulders, obtained by Daily Mail.

Moreover, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 6:30 am near the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, where Thompson was walking along the footpath. The Daily Mail reports indicate that the alleged killer approached from behind and fired multiple shots.

Initially, Thompson stumbled onto the street, but the alleged assailant pursued him, firing repeatedly until Thompson fell to the ground. He was then shot in the chest and calf before the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The police reported that the alleged killer fled into Central Park. According to Daily Mail, Brian Thompson was set to speak at an investor meeting at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday morning, where he was expected to announce UnitedHealthcare's forecast for 2025, projecting revenues over $450 billion. The meeting was widely anticipated.

An eyewitness, Amar Abdelmula, a driver, shared details with PIX11 about the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Abdelmula stated that the shots were fired using a silent gun, making the incident eerily quiet.

He also observed the alleged shooter running across the street immediately after the attack —

"It was silent gun, black gun. (I) saw him after he shot him, and he was running across the street. I tried take a picture, but too far away, not clear. I was shocked. First time I see crime in front of me. I was afraid he (would) shoot me too, my car, I saw everything," Abdelmula said.

According to the Daily Mail, the scheduled investor meeting at the Hilton Hotel proceeded as planned, with attendees initially unaware of the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Attendees were only informed that someone had been shot outside the hotel. However, Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, halted the event upon learning of the tragedy, citing a medical emergency involving a team member —

"We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I’m afraid, we’re going to have to bring to a close the event," Witty said.

Michael Dissen, Regional Sales Director at Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions, who was at the hotel for an unrelated meeting, described his experience to the Daily Mail, suggesting that he heard the sirens.

"I just heard all these sirens and I thought, “New York City”, but then I went up and had coffee and I saw everyone looking at their phones and I saw what happened," Dissen said.

As news of Thompson’s passing spread, flags outside UnitedHealthcare’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, were lowered to half-staff in tribute to his memory.

Details regarding Thompson’s funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.