Law enforcement expert speaks on manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO gunman
by LEANNA FAULK, NBC 10 NEWS
A manhunt is underway for a masked gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what police are calling a brazen, targeted attack in Midtown Manhattan.
The suspect, who was seen fleeing the scene on an e-bike, remains at large as investigators work around the clock to track him down.
Police released new surveillance images on Thursday showing the suspect at a Manhattan hostel hours before the attack. The photos reveal the man’s uncovered face, smiling just hours before the shooting.
Investigators say the gunman stopped at a nearby Starbucks before the crime, purchasing a bottle of water and two protein bars. These items, later recovered from a trash can, could hold DNA evidence critical to the investigation.
“There is an essential amount of DNA for the investigators,” said Todd McGhee, a former Massachusetts State Trooper and law enforcement expert. “Whether it’s oils from our fingerprints, saliva from taking a bite of something … all of that can help identify the suspect.”
At the scene, investigators discovered shell casings inscribed with the words “DENY,” “DEFEND,” and “DEPOSE.” McGhee said the inscriptions may provide a clue to the gunman’s motive.
“That’s another clue for law enforcement to determine if there are any claimants with a grievance,” he said, suggesting the attack could stem from a conflict with the healthcare system.
Surveillance footage shows the gunman waiting outside a Midtown hotel before ambushing Thompson. He fired several rounds, hitting Thompson in the back and calf. The gunman then fled into the chaos of the city.
“This was not a random act,” McGhee said. “To call him an expert may be an embellishment, but he was certainly more than a rudimentary gunman.”
McGhee noted that the use of a suppressor and the precision of the attack suggest a level of training.
The NYPD is utilizing its vast network of CCTV cameras and federal resources to piece together the suspect’s movements.
“With all of those different aspects, it’s only a matter of time before they get their guy,” McGhee said.
The NYPD continues to ask the public for help, offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the shooter’s arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS.