Police uncover chilling clues as cryptic inscriptions on shell casings deepen the mystery surrounding the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel has taken a chilling turn as investigators discovered shell casings at the scene inscribed with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” Authorities are working to decipher the cryptic messages left behind by the gunman, who executed the brazen attack in broad daylight.
Thompson, 50, was gunned down Wednesday morning outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown, where he was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting. The shooter, who appeared to be lying in wait, opened fire with a silenced weapon, hitting Thompson in the chest and calf. The experienced marksman fled the scene on an electric bike into nearby Central Park.
Calculated and Chilling Execution
Police sources believe the gunman, who demonstrated expert firearm handling, was a professional. Surveillance footage shows the masked assailant clearing a weapon malfunction mid-attack—a reaction consistent with military or law enforcement training.
The precision of the attack, combined with the cryptic bullet inscriptions, has raised questions about the shooter’s motive. Investigators are probing whether the messages point to a grudge against UnitedHealthcare or reflect a deeper vendetta tied to Thompson’s role as CEO.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, revealed that her husband had been receiving threats prior to his trip to New York. “I don’t know the details, but he mentioned people had been threatening him,” she told NBC News.
High-Stakes Background
As the head of the largest health insurer in the U.S., Thompson was a polarizing figure. UnitedHealthcare has faced accusations of systematically denying patient care and was embroiled in a cyber-attack earlier this year that cost the company $872 million. The Justice Department was also investigating Thompson for antitrust violations and insider trading, adding further complexity to his high-profile position.
Thompson was slated to announce the company’s 2025 financial outlook, projecting revenues exceeding $450 billion, during the investor meeting. The conference was abruptly halted after news of the shooting spread.
Investigation Ongoing
Detectives are combing through evidence, including a water bottle and cell phone believed to belong to the shooter. DNA and fingerprint analysis could provide critical clues to the assailant’s identity. Witnesses reported that the suspect appeared calm and calculated, waiting for Thompson to exit through a specific door before carrying out the attack.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a targeted hit linked to Thompson’s professional or personal life. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as “not a random act of violence,” emphasizing the deliberate nature of the killing.
As the investigation unfolds, the cryptic words etched on the shell casings remain a haunting mystery, fueling speculation about the motive behind this meticulously planned assassination.