The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The killing, which police have described as a “brazen, targeted attack,” occurred outside the New York Hilton Midtown on the morning of December 4, 2024.
The suspect reportedly arrived in New York City on November 24 aboard a Greyhound bus that departed from Atlanta. Surveillance footage from the Port Authority Bus Terminal captured the suspect’s arrival at 9 p.m., according to law enforcement sources cited by ABC News.
Following the shooting, police learned that the suspect took a taxi to the Port Authority bus facility at 178th Street, where he boarded another bus out of New York City. The bus made six or seven stops, and investigators have pursued leads in multiple states, the sources added.
Detectives recovered a backpack in Central Park on Friday, though investigators are still determining if it is linked to the suspect. DNA evidence from a coffee cup the suspect bought at a Starbucks before the shooting and a burner phone recovered near the crime scene are also being analyzed for potential leads, according to The Sun.
UnitedHealthcare’s Controversial Practices Under Scrutiny
As one of the nation’s largest health insurers, UnitedHealthcare has faced criticism for its handling of claims. The company, which insures more than 50 million Americans, denies nearly one-third of all claims, according to Forbes. A recent investigation by The New York Times revealed allegations that UnitedHealthcare used algorithms to deny care for stroke patients requiring nursing services, as well as for other costly treatments.
Bullet casings recovered at the crime scene were reportedly inscribed with the words “delay” and “deny,” phrases often associated with health insurance practices aimed at avoiding claim payouts, according to The New York Times. While the symbolism has sparked speculation about the killer’s motive, police have not confirmed any direct link to UnitedHealthcare’s practices.
UnitedHealth Group responds
In a statement, UnitedHealth Group expressed deep sadness over Brian Thompson’s death, describing him as a “highly respected colleague and friend” and extending condolences to his family and loved ones. The company added that it is working closely with the New York Police Department and requested “patience and understanding during this difficult time.” However, UnitedHealth Group has not addressed the renewed scrutiny of its claim denial practices.
The NYPD has released surveillance images of the suspect, who is seen wearing a green jacket and a black face mask. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect to come forward as the manhunt intensifies.
