United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson Assassinated: Police Uncover Shocking Cryptic Message on 3 Bullet Casings

New York City police are piecing together evidence following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday.

The chilling murder has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, with police uncovering a cryptic message left at the scene.

Bullet Casings Hold a Message in Thompson Murder

Authorities revealed that the suspect left behind three bullet casings and live rounds inscribed with the words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend.”

Each piece of ammunition bore a single word, leading investigators to suspect a deliberate message.

“This was no random act,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated. “The inscriptions point to a premeditated attack.”

Surveillance Captures Harrowing Scene

Grainy surveillance footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows Thompson walking down a bustling New York City sidewalk when the masked assailant, clad in a black hoodie and carrying a gray backpack, approached from behind.

The suspect fired several rounds at Thompson, who collapsed after attempting to flee.

At one point, the gun appeared to jam, prompting the assailant to clear it before continuing the attack.

After shooting Thompson, the suspect escaped on a bicycle, vanishing into Central Park.

The gunman was last seen wearing a black face mask, brown or cream jacket, black and white sneakers and gray backpack.

Police said the suspect fled into the alley between West 54th and West 55th streets, then rode a bike up to Central Park, where he was seen at 6:48 a.m. on Center Drive.

Evidence Mounts

Investigators recovered a cellphone near the crime scene and a cup discarded in a nearby Starbucks.

These items are undergoing forensic analysis to help identify the murdered of Thompson. Initial reports suggested the suspect used a traceable Citibike, but the NYPD later confirmed this was incorrect.

United Healthcare and Officials React

UnitedHealth Group issued a somber 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.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the attack, labeling it “horrific,” and pledged state police resources to assist in the investigation.

Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in, asserting, “This was not a random act of violence.”

Murder During Key Company Event

The shooting coincided with United Healthcare’s investors conference, which was set to be livestreamed from a nearby hotel. The event was canceled following the tragedy.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed, “The victim was specifically targeted, though the motive remains unclear.”

The deadly shooting happened shortly after 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton Midtown hotel on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street. More than a dozen officers responded and blocked off West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues for the morning commute. 

“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy,” a spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement.

Investigators began gathering surveillance video from surrounding buildings and interviewing anyone who may have seen what happened.

The Hunt for the Suspect

The shooter, last seen fleeing on a bike near Central Park, remains at large. Descriptions indicate he wore a black face mask, brown or cream jacket, and black-and-white sneakers.

Surveillance footage shows him lying in wait for several minutes before executing the attack.

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