Authorities are reportedly following up on hundreds of tips in Wednesday’s shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Carlos Nieves, the assistant commissioner of public information for the NYPD, informed the New York Post that all tips are currently under investigation while the perpetrator responsible for Thompson’s death remains on the loose. Nieves also mentioned that they are looking into information circulating on social media platforms like TikTok.
CNN disclosed that DNA samples collected from the crime scene in Manhattan where Thompson was murdered have been sent to the medical examiner for further examination. A source in law enforcement, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that the evidence submitted includes a water bottle containing a smudged fingerprint and a cell phone that might have skin cells or touch DNA.
The official also told CNN that they’re looking for more pictures of the gunman’s face to load them into their facial recognition technology.
Reportedly, the assailant had registered at the AYH Hostel in Manhattan before carrying out the fatal shooting of Thompson. It is said that the perpetrator used a forged ID and paid in cash, presumably in an attempt to conceal his true identity.
The suspected gunman was filmed at a nearby Starbucks 20 minutes before Thompson was fatally shot near the Hilton hotel in Manhattan. Police said the shooting “does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premeditated, targeted attack.”
Thompson, who was from Minnesota, was attending his company’s annual investors conference in New York when he was killed. He had left his hotel — across the street from the Hilton, where the conference was being held — alone and without any security detail.
Reports indicated that UnitedHealthcare was aware of threats made before Wednesday’s shooting. While the threats did not mention names, they reportedly suggested that high-ranking officials would be targeted.
The suspect fled the scene on foot and then on a bicycle. Sources told CNN that the suspect — who is believed to be an experienced marksman — left behind a live round and shell casing with the words “delay” and “depose” on them.
A motive remains undisclosed. The NYPD is offering up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.
[Feature Photo: NYPD]
