Haunting Words Found on Ammunition Used to Kill UnitedHealthcare CEO
In a shocking development, investigators looking into the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson have revealed that the bullets used in his shooting had the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” written on them. Police sources think these words might relate to common strategies used in insurance claim disputes, adding a strange and troubling meaning to the crime.
Thompson, 50, was ambushed early Wednesday morning as he walked to an investor conference at a Midtown Hilton, just steps away from New York landmarks like Radio City Music Hall. The gunman, masked and dressed in black, approached Thompson from behind and fired multiple shots. A 9mm pistol was used in the attack, and the shell casings found at the scene had some troubling words on them.
The shooter's weapon jammed during the attack, but he quickly cleared the malfunction and resumed firing, demonstrating his "apparent expertise," according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Surveillance footage shows the assailant arriving at the scene just minutes before Thompson, ignoring other pedestrians as he specifically targeted the CEO.
Who Was Brian Thompson?
According to the Associated Press, Thompson was a quiet yet influential figure, leading the insurance arm of UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the U.S. His division brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, and under his leadership, the company provided health coverage to over 49 million Americans. Despite his immense influence, Thompson largely kept out of the public eye.
The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company has not yet released a formal statement on the incident.
Suspect at Large
The shooter remains at large, and a manhunt has led investigators to hostels on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Police have circulated a photo of the suspect but have yet to confirm his identity. Witnesses have described the suspect as wearing a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack.
Investigators are exploring multiple motives, including whether the killing was personal, symbolic, or connected to Thompson’s role in the healthcare industry.
As authorities continue to comb through evidence, the haunting words etched on the ammunition leave no doubt about the calculated nature of this attack.
