COFFEE 'KILLER'
Chilling moment assassin shoots dead UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after laying in wait at Starbucks by hotel
Witnesses sprinted for their lives as the assassin killed the insurance boss
THE suspected shooter who executed UnitedHealthcare's CEO outside a New York City hotel has been spotted ordering at Starbucks just two blocks from the murder scene, The U.S. Sun can confirm.
The masked killer calmly waited for CEO Brian Thompson, 50, to arrive for an investor conference in Midtown Manhattan before opening fire early Wednesday morning.
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Thompson was ruthlessly shot multiple times in the back and leg just after 6:45 am as he walked into the New York Hilton Midtown, the New York Police Department said.
Eerie surveillance video obtained by The U.S. Sun shows the moment a masked and hooded shooter allegedly snuck up behind the CEO and unloaded a round of fatal shots.
A terrified witness who was inches away from the shooting sprinted for her life as the suspect eerily walked away into an alley.
After the heartless killing, the suspect got on a nearby e-bike and jetted toward Central Park.
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He was last seen on Central Park Drive, which is right outside the park grounds.
More surveillance released by the NYPD shows the suspect covered in a mask and standing at a counter.
The U.S. Sun can confirm those images are of a Starbucks just two blocks away from the Hilton hotel. However, it's unclear whether he visited before or after the shooting.
Starbucks workers declined to comment when they were shown the surveillance pictures.
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The U.S. Sun has reached out to the coffee brand's corporate team for comment.
The killer is a light-skinned man who is about six feet tall and has a slim build.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ‘shot and killed’ outside New York City Hilton hotel in ‘targeted attack’
He appeared to be wearing a dark hoodie and dark pants and had on a gray backpack.
The New York Police Department has sparked a city-wide search for the killer, and a $10,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information on the murder.
They urged New Yorkers to look for anything suspicious today but stressed that the city was still safe.
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WIFE'S HORROR
Thompson led the largest private healthcare provider in the US, and his wife Paulette feared this may have put him in danger.
"There had been some threats," she told .
"Basically, I don't know, a lack of coverage?
"I don't know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him."
Thompson traveled from his home in Minnesota to meet with investors for an 8 am conference at the hotel.
He walked across the street from the hotel where he was staying without security detail to show up early and prepare when he was attacked.
The meeting went on for about an hour until attendees became distracted by the growing police presence outside, reported.
Eventually, Andrew Witty, CEO of parent company UnitedHealth Group, told attendees they were dealing with a "very serious medical situation" and dismissed the crowd.
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MANHUNT LAUNCHED
So far, cops have recovered an abandoned cell phone in an alleyway while retracing the shooter's steps, and they're processing it now for forensic clues.
The killer got away on a bike that can be tracked by GPS, and cops are working with a company to find where he is headed.
Witnesses said the gunfire was quiet, but police said they're unable to determine whether a silencer was used. They said the footage was too grainy to identify the weapon.
When asked if the shooter appeared to be a hired killer, the NYPD said they weren't sure but noted the suspect seemed to know what he was doing.
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HORROR SIGHT
A witness opened up about the horrifying moment Thompson crumpled under a barrage of gunfire.
"I wasn't paying attention and then I heard the shot," Amar Abdelmula, a driver who was near the hotel, told . "It was silent gun, black gun."
Abdelmula watched in horror as the shooter ran across the street after firing shots.
"I tried take a picture, but too far away," he said.
"I was shocked. First time I see crime in front of me. I was afraid he shoot me too, my car, I saw everything."
The shooting took place just four blocks away from Rockefeller Center, where the well-trafficked Christmas tree lighting will be held in just hours.
The NYPD stressed to New Yorkers that they would be safe and protected for Wednesday night's events.
UnitedHealth Group Statement on Brian Thompson
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in a brazen attack on December 4 as he was leaving a New York City hotel. Parent company UnitedHealth Group released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.
"We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
"Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
CEO REMEMBERED
Thompson has been in New York City since Monday, and detectives are investigating how the shooter was able to track his movements.
However, it was public knowledge that he would host the event, and he was expected to announce that the company was looking forward to a profitable 2025.
Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which is a division of UnitedHealth Group. He was appointed to this position in April 2021.
Before becoming CEO, Thompson held various leadership roles within UnitedHealth Group, including positions in finance and operations.
He's survived by his wife and their two children, and family members remember him as a hard working husband and dedicated father.
Elene Reveiz, Thompson's sister-in-law, told the New York Times, "He was a good person, and I am so sad."
UnitedHealth Group said it was "deeply saddened" by the news and described Thompson as a "dear friend."
"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," the company said in a statement.
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"We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
"Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."
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