The New York Police Department released two new surveillance photos Saturday of the masked individual sought in Wednesday’s killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as investigators believe the suspect may have fled the state.
The latest images show the person of interest wearing a blue medical mask and dark clothing, captured through a taxi partition and walking alongside a vehicle. Police say they’ve tracked some of the suspect’s movements by taxi to the Port Authority bus station near the George Washington Bridge.
Investigators revealed the suspect likely arrived in New York from Atlanta by Greyhound bus on November 24. While staying at an Upper West Side hostel, roommates reported he kept his mask on constantly, only lowering it briefly to eat. Police are working to determine if he used cash and false identification for his accommodation.
“Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear the victim was specifically targeted,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, noting shell casings found at the scene were inscribed with the words “deny,” “delay” and “depose.”
Thompson was shot in the back and calf outside the New York Hilton Midtown while heading to UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference. His wife Paulette told NBC News he had received threats related to “lack of coverage,” though she was unclear about specifics.
A combined $60,000 reward from the FBI, Crime Stoppers, and NYPD is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Police recovered a gray backpack in Central Park and a cellphone near the scene, though no weapon was found.
