On Saturday, police unveiled two new photographs of a man suspected of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This marks the latest development in what authorities have described as a ‘brazen targeted attack’ on the executive in Manhattan last week.
Thompson was shot in the back and right calf outside the New York Hilton Midtown just before 7 a.m. on Wednesday. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead, according to NYPD officials at a Wednesday press conference.
The suspect’s identity remains unknown, but the NYPD released new images of a masked ‘person of interest’ in a taxi late Saturday. These add to two unmasked photos reportedly taken at a hostel where the suspect stayed before the shooting.
On Friday evening, authorities discovered a backpack in Central Park that may belong to the suspect. The bag contained Monopoly money and a Tommy Hilfiger jacket, according to multiple news outlets. A large search involving officers and drones led to this discovery.
Police informed CNN on Friday that they have ‘reason to believe’ the suspected gunman has left New York City, possibly taking a cab to the Port Authority bus terminal, which services interstate buses.
A senior law enforcement official told The New York Times on Thursday that the shooter used a fake New Jersey ID on November 30 to book a room at an Upper West Side hostel before killing Thompson.
Detectives have obtained DNA evidence currently being examined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, The New York Times reported on Friday. However, it is unclear where the DNA was collected from and whether it will match any existing profiles in law enforcement databases.
Police also recovered a burner phone and a water bottle in an alley near the shooting scene. These items could provide fingerprints or other information about the shooter if police can unlock the phone, CNN reported, citing anonymous officials.
Authorities believe the suspect arrived in New York in late November on a bus from Atlanta, though the exact boarding location is unknown. Greyhound bus officials have confirmed their full cooperation with law enforcement.
The Atlanta Police Department stated on Friday afternoon that it has begun assisting the NYPD in its investigation.