Detectives investigating the December 4 assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson have revealed a chilling detail: shell casings found at the crime scene were inscribed with the words “Deny,” “Defend,” and “Depose.” This discovery suggests the attack was a calculated act, potentially linked to UnitedHealthcare’s controversial practices.
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, where he was set to host an investor conference. Surveillance footage shows the masked gunman waiting for Thompson before ambushing him, firing multiple shots at close range.
The shooter’s weapon jammed during the assault, but he quickly cleared the malfunction and continued firing, a sign of his firearms expertise. “It does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny at a press briefing.
The assailant fled the scene on an e-bike, vanishing into Central Park.
Among the evidence collected were six 9mm rounds—three live and three spent—with the inscriptions “Deny,” “Defend,” and “Depose.” Authorities believe these phrases may symbolize grievances against UnitedHealthcare’s insurance practices, which have faced widespread criticism for claim denials and other policies.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, confirmed that the family had received threats in the months leading up to the murder. “There had been some threats,” she told NBC News. “It seemed to be tied to coverage disputes, but I don’t know the details. He just mentioned people had been threatening him.”
UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest private health insurer, has been embroiled in controversy on multiple fronts. The company is currently under a Department of Justice (DOJ) antitrust investigation, adding to its history of scrutiny over denied claims and monopolistic practices.
In February, Thompson sold $15.1 million in stock less than two weeks before news broke of the DOJ’s antitrust probe into UnitedHealth. The investigation caused a sharp drop in the company’s stock price, and the timing of the sale raised concerns of potential insider trading. Other executives, including Chairman Stephen Helmsley, also sold significant shares, collectively totaling over $101.5 million.
In addition to the antitrust issues, UnitedHealthcare suffered one of the largest data breaches in U.S. history earlier this year, compromising personal information for up to one-third of Americans. The company reportedly paid $22 million in ransom and estimated the breach’s financial impact at $705 million.
Law enforcement is actively searching for the suspect, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The NYPD released additional surveillance images of the shooter, urging the public to come forward with any tips.
“This was a deliberate and well-executed attack,” said an NYPD spokesperson. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.”
UnitedHealthcare has not yet commented on the investigation. Meanwhile, Thompson’s murder casts a spotlight on the mounting controversies surrounding the company and the challenges faced by its leadership.
These are additional images of the suspect sought in connection to this morning's homicide. If you have any information about this incident, the suspect, or his location please contact @NYPDTips at 1(800)577-TIPS. https://t.co/rtfVynljXa pic.twitter.com/kUJr7l0nxZ
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 4, 2024