The search for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has extended beyond New York City as new photos have been released.
While the FBI is still searching for the identity of the suspect, it has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. This is in addition to a $10,000 reward offered by the NYPD.
The gunman used a fake ID and paid cash during his 10 days in the city, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kinney told reporters on Friday. He also kept his face covered except while checking in at a hostel.
He was captured on some of the thousands of surveillance cameras covering Manhattan, allowing police to create a timeline of his movements.
Here’s what we know so far about what the NYPD is calling a planned attack.
November 24
10:11 PM – The suspected shooter arrived in New York City on a Greyhound bus at the Port Authority Terminal. The bus started from Atlanta and made six or seven stops on its way to New York. Police were not immediately able to determine where he got on the bus.
The man then takes a taxi to the Hilton New York Midtown area and stays there for about half an hour.
About 11 p.m. – The man takes a taxi to the HI New York City Inn at 891 Amsterdam Street, where he stays until the morning of the shooting. He presents an ID that the police believe is fake. Police said two colleagues in the shared room with bunk beds never saw his face because he kept his mask on.
When he spoke with an employee in the hotel lobby, he briefly pulled down his face mask and smiled — a moment captured in surveillance photos widely shared by police.
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November 29
The man was checked out of the inn, as guests were automatically checked out if they did not show up at the office by a certain time. Police do not believe he stayed anywhere else and re-entered the same hostel the next day.
December 4th
About 5:30 a.m. – The suspected shooter left the motel well before dawn.
5:41 a.m. – He is seen on video at 54th Street and Sixth Avenue walking back and forth in the Hilton Hotel area where United Healthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, is holding its annual investor conference.
Police infer that he rode a bicycle to the Hilton Hotel because it took him such a short time to get there. “Could he have stolen the bike? These are things we are still looking into,” Kenny said.
At some point, he went to a nearby Starbucks and bought a bottle of water and at least one energy bar before returning to the hotel.
6:44 a.m. – Thompson was shot when the executive arrived alone, on foot, after walking from a hotel across the street. The man runs away.
6:48 a.m. – The man entered Central Park on a bicycle at the 60th Street entrance and the Center Drive entrance. In the park, away from security cameras, police believe he disposed of a gray backpack.
6:56 a.m. – He leaves the park at West 77th Street and Central Park West, still on his bike.
6:58 a.m. – He passes another camera at 85th Street and Columbus Avenue, still on his bike.
7 a.m. – He’s on 86th Street, no longer biking.
7:04 AM – Take a taxi northbound at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
7:30 AM – It’s near the George Washington Bridge and the bus stop is there. Provides passenger service on New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington.
After the attack, investigators found the words “deny,” “defend,” and “dismiss” written in permanent marker on ammunition at the scene. The words mimic a phrase used by critics of the insurance industry.
December 6
Kenney and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed that investigators believe the gunman left New York City on a bus. Investigators say he entered the George Washington Bridge bus station but have found no video of him leaving or boarding the bus.
“It could be a disgruntled employee, or a disgruntled customer,” Kenney says of the possible motive at a news conference.
Police found what they say is the man’s backpack. Its contents have not been revealed.
December 7
Police continue to search Central Park. Divers were seen scouring the pond. The NYPD releases additional photos showing the suspected shooter next to and in the back seat of a taxi. In both photos, he is seen wearing a blue medical-style face mask.
Although the fingerprint was recovered from the Starbucks purchase and the items were sent for DNA testing, police have not yet publicly identified the suspect.
December 8th
Divers were seen again in a Central Park pool. The police refuse to comment on the investigation.
& Edition 2024 The Canadian Press
