Chilling moment assassin shoots dead UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after laying in wait at Starbucks by hotel
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.
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.
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.
"Basically, I don't know, a lack of coverage?
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."