Masked shooter kills top health insurance boss near Central Park - what we know

In a well-planned hit a masked person shot Brian Thompson - the head of UnitedHealths insurance division right outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. The attack happened while Thompson was heading to the companys yearly investor meeting at the Hilton

The shooter who had been waiting nearby struck from behind leaving strange carved words on bullet casings (including words deny and defend that match a known insurance-industry book). NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch made it clear: “This does not appear to be a random act of violence; every sign points to careful planning“

Security cameras caught the attacker - wearing dark clothes and carrying a grey back-pack - who later rode an e-bike into Central Park. Police shared pics showing the persons eyes nose and brow from a cafe visit; theyre asking public to help identify the suspect

Thompson who ran Americas biggest health insurance company since early 21 had worked there for almost 20 years His wife Paulette told media heʼd gotten some work-related threats but local police didnt have any records of reported issues. She described him as “an incredibly loving generous talented man who lived life to its fullest“

The shooting happened near Rockefeller Centers Christmas tree lighting - a big yearly event that went on with extra security. Meanwhile UnitedHealth was already dealing with a big tech problem: their Change Healthcare unit got hacked which messed-up lots of medical payments