On Monday, it was reveled that a person of interest connected to the brazen, execution-style murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was arrested.
Per the New York Post, law enforcement sources say the man was taken into custody after being arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
The man, who has yet to be identified, was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to use a fake ID at a McDonald’s. Authorities say he was found with a gun, silencer, four fake IDs, and a manifesto, items described as “consistent” with the investigation into the high-profile slaying.
The NYPD is working to confirm the suspect’s identity as investigators piece together the chilling case. A tip led local police to the suspect, who was detained as New York detectives traveled to Pennsylvania to continue the investigation.
ORIGINAL:The nationwide manhunt continues for a masked assassin who gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what authorities have called a “targeted attack".
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan last Wednesday (December 4).
The attack unfolded in the early morning hours, around 6:46AM, as the prominent executive was struck by two bullets — one to the back and another to the calf. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Thompson was pronounced dead shortly after.
Disturbingly, the shell casings and live rounds left behind bore the words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend" - believed to be a grim nod to a 2010 book titled Delay, Deny, Defend by Jay Feinman.
The potential connection to the book - which critiques the insurance industry’s tactics to avoid accountability for patient claims - has sparked speculation that the shooting was meant as a symbolic act of vengeance.
The masked gunman fled the scene on an e-bike, weaving through Central Park before ditching the vehicle near 85th Street around 7:00AM.
On Friday, officers scouring the surrounding area for leads uncovered a discarded backpack in Central Park, thought to belong to the suspect.
Inside the bag? A jacket and stacks of Monopoly money — an eerie find that has left both investigators and forensic experts theorizing about its meaning.
Following the uncomfortable find, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman told The Daily Beast she believes the Monopoly money was intended as a yet another message aimed at Thompson and his company.
“UnitedHealthcare is a monopoly that profits off the backs of its patients while rewarding executives with millions,” Lieberman said. “The killer may have planned to scatter the Monopoly money around Thompson’s body, but forgot to take it out of his backpack.”
Lieberman emphasized that this wasn’t just a random act of violence. “This was deeply twisted and calculated. This wasn’t just about taking a life; it was about sending a message," she added.
Adding to the chilling nature of the crime, the NYPD released two images of the suspected gunman captured by a taxi’s in-car camera. In one photo, the masked suspect is seen outside the vehicle, and in another, he peers through the partition between the front and back seats. His face remains partially obscured by a blue medical mask.
On Friday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed that investigators believe the shooter has left New York City. Despite this, the department continues its search, pursuing leads and piecing together the suspect’s movements.
Additionally, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny has revealed on Friday that detectives are investigating whether the weapon used to kill Thompson was a “veterinary” gun - often used to euthanize animals.
Per the New York Post, Kenny said that the weapon used in the assassination "appears to be a larger handgun", adding that, "It’s a weapon commonly used on farms and ranches. If an animal has to get put down, the animal can be shot without causing a loud noise."
And in yet another update, New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters that authorities believe they have identified the suspected murderer, but are keeping any names under wraps.
"We don’t want to release [his name] now," Adams said. "If we do, we are basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking and we do not want to give him an upper hand at all. Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask. We revealed his face. We’re going to reveal who he is and we’re going to bring him to justice."
Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the shooter. Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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