(DailyChive.com) – Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment when UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred outside the Hilton Hotel, leaving the 50-year-old executive dead and authorities searching for his killer.
The video shows Thompson walking along a busy city sidewalk. A masked man in a black hoodie and backpack approaches from behind, raises a handgun, and fires multiple shots. Witnesses say the gun appeared to jam at one point, prompting the shooter to hit it and continue his pursuit. Thompson, clearly struggling to escape, was struck again before collapsing.
According to the NYPD, the suspect fled the scene on a bicycle, vanishing into Central Park. Initial reports suggested the bike was a Citibike, but police later clarified it was not a trackable model. Surveillance footage also shows the suspect earlier that morning at a nearby Starbucks.
A witness who was parking his car nearby recounted hearing three gunshots and seeing the shooter calmly walk away. “He was a white male, all in black, with a backpack,” the witness told reporters. “He had been standing on the corner all night, waiting.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the act as “horrific and targeted,” pledging state police support to assist the NYPD in the investigation. “Our hearts are with Mr. Thompson’s family,” Hochul stated. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.”
The NYPD released images of the suspect and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for tips leading to an arrest and indictment. Tips can be submitted online or by calling 1-800-577-TIPS.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, expressed her family’s devastation in a statement. “Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, and talented man who lived life to the fullest,” she shared. “Most importantly, he was a devoted father to our two sons. We are shattered by this loss.”
As police work to track down the killer, the senseless tragedy has left New Yorkers on edge, questioning how such an attack could happen in the heart of the city.
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