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On December 4, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel by a masked assailant. The perpetrator, described as wearing a black mask, white sneakers, a gray backpack, and a light-brown and cream jacket, fled the scene. Thompson was set to attend an investor conference at the hotel that day.
The NYPD has recently released new images of the man suspected of shooting the 50-year-old. Taken from a surveillance camera, one of the images shows the full face of the alleged assassin, causing a stir among netizens.
Several users on X have collectively found the perpetrator attractive, penning down their thoughts on the platform. Some reactions on X are as follows:
"He's got that hung smile," a fan wrote.
"By tomorrow there will be his lookalike competition in New York," one user chimed in.
"This guy 1000% is from New Jersey," another user wrote on X.
One fan claimed that the jacket or backpack from past photos didn't match the recently released one.
"That is not the same jacket or backpack from the original photos," wrote the user.
"That is literally not the same jacket or backpack from the original photos which is being circled," another claimed.
"Uh he is good looking? And that’s not the same backpack or outfit," one netizen added.
"I don’t think these are the same items as in the first photos," announced a user.
Some other reactions on X are as follows:
"Spread the photos so he can’t hide," a user wrote.
"Alleged? They need to investigate," suggested another.
"Y'all need to stand up… how are you thirsting over someone you can barely even see," a person inferred on X.
Understanding how the alleged assassination of Brian Thompson took place
On Wednesday, December 4, Brian Thompson was in New York City for a UnitedHealthcare investors conference scheduled to take place at the New York Hilton Midtown at eight in the morning. However, he wasn't staying at that hotel, according to police reports.
As per a report by CNN, the masked gunman waited for about 10 minutes behind a parked car in freezing temperatures before open-firing at Brian Thompson. The killer reportedly fired twice from 20 feet away - once directed at his back and the other at his right calf. According to the shooting footage recovered by the police, it was suspected that the weapon used was fitted with a silencer.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny shared that the killer reportedly resolved a gun malfunction while shooting, thereby proving that he had proficiency in handling firearms. Bystanders were quick to respond and rushed him to Mount Sinai West in near-death condition. However, the UnitedHealthcare CEO couldn't make it and was pronounced dead at 7:12 am.
Jessica Tisch, New York City Police Commissioner claimed that the attack was targeted and not random.
“Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” said Tisch.
After the "brazen, targeted attack," the manhunt for Brian Thompson's killer is underway. According to a report from Livemint, the killer escaped on foot after shooting and took an electric bike. He was last seen heading towards New York's Central Park at 6:48 in the morning.
A source with information on the investigation told CNN that UnitedHealthcare was already aware of the looming threats against the conglomerate's high-level executives. Brian's wife Paulette Thompson, told NBC News on Wednesday that her husband had received death threats prior to his eventual assassination.
"Yes, there had been some threats basically," she said.
When the interviewer asked about the reason behind the threats, Paulette Thompson said:
"I don't know, a lack of coverage? I don't know [the] details. I just know that he said there were people that had been threatening him."
UnitedHealth Group, the world's largest health insurer and parent company of UnitedHealthcare, released a statement expressing condolences following CEO Brian Thompson's death.
"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him.," said the statement.
As of writing, the manhunt for the killer is underway and the police are yet to discover the motive behind Brian Thompson's murder.
