Suspect updates in CEO's killing and anger against UnitedHealthcare
NYPD posts footage of suspect from his stay at a local hostel.
NYPD posted this surveillance video of the suspected shooter at the hostel where he was staying.
Photo: Courtesy NYPD
As more details emerge about the suspected gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday, the company is receiving both condolences and statements of rage on social media over claim denials by the nation's largest health insurer.
One post on Twitter said Thompson's death is being mourned, but … "wait, I'm sorry – today we mourn the deaths of the 68,000 Americans who needlessly die each year so that insurance company execs like Brian Thompson can become multimillionaires."
On NPR, people shared stories of healthcare denials from all health insurers. One person said his mom's scan to check on her stage IV lung cancer was recently denied. In another post, a dad shared the letter UnitedHealthcare sent him denying a wheelchair for his son with cerebral palsy.
UnitedHealth Group said it has received an outpouring of kindness and support since the crime.
"While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place," UnitedHealth Group said by statement. "So many patients, consumers, health care professionals, associations, government officials and other caring people have taken time out of their day to reach out. We are thankful, even as we grieve. Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brian's family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. We, at UnitedHealth Group, will continue to be there for those who depend upon us for their health care. We ask that everyone respect the family's privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother and friend."
SUSPECT UPDATES:
No arrests have been made in the fatal shooting. The suspect, wearing a hooded coat and mask, killed Thompson, 50, as the executive was walking on a sidewalk in Midtown Manhattan on his way to the UnitedHealth Investor Day conference at the New York Hilton Hotel. He escaped on an electric bike, after reportedly changing out the battery so he couldn't be tracked by GPS.
The public got a look at the suspect's face from video footage from a HI New York City Hostel on the Upper West Side where the suspect was reportedly staying. The suspect came to New York City on an interstate Greyhound bus on November 24, police sources told the New York Post.
Sources told the Post that the gunman only pulled down his mask because he was "flirting" with the receptionist – and she asked to see his face.
A search of his room yielded nothing of note, the report said.
Police have recovered the burner phone the gunman left as he fled the crime scene. The suspect was seen making a call on the phone as he made his way to the hotel on Sixth Avenue where he waited for Thompson.
Police have called the murder a premeditated, targeted attack.
The NYPD has posted a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org
