Crime
55-year-old Robert Cummings killed after shooting in front yard of Zebulon home
A tragic shooting in a Zebulon neighborhood early Thanksgiving morning has left a man dead, according to local authorities.
Police were called to the scene around 1:30 a.m. after reports of gunfire on West Barbee Street near Primrose Place.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 55-year-old Robert Cummings unresponsive in his front yard, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Cummings, who resided on West Barbee Street, was well-known in the area.
Family members expressed their grief, confirming that he had been shot just steps from his home.
The Zebulon Police Department is actively investigating the incident and has urged anyone with information to come forward. Community members are asked to contact the department at 919-823-1818 and request to speak with a Zebulon officer.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released any details about potential suspects or motives. The loss of Cummings has left his family and neighborhood reeling as they seek answers and justice.
Crime
Graphic video shows moments UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson gunned down by suspect at close range
Newly released surveillance footage has shed light on the horrifying final moments of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a targeted attack on the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
The video shows the unidentified gunman, dressed in a black hoodie, black pants, gloves, and carrying a gray backpack, methodically stalking and executing his attack.
Armed with what appears to be a single-action handgun, the shooter moves with chilling composure, pulling back the slide between shots—a maneuver indicative of a calculated and deliberate approach.
The footage captures the gunman firing the first shot, striking Thompson in the back. The 50-year-old executive stumbles forward before collapsing onto the sidewalk.
Desperately, Thompson attempts to crawl away from his attacker, but the assailant remains relentless, continuing to fire at close range.
A police source revealed that the gunman encountered a technical issue during the assault. The weapon appeared to jam at one point, forcing the shooter to adjust the firearm before continuing to fire. This level of weapon handling, police suggest, indicates the attacker has a certain level of experience or familiarity with firearms.
The attack, which occurred around 6:46 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown, has been confirmed as a targeted act by law enforcement. Thompson, a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, had arrived at the hotel for an Investor Day conference. Authorities believe the gunman had been waiting for Thompson to arrive.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the public following the incident, assuring New Yorkers that this was not a random act of violence. “This was a calculated and targeted murder,” Adams said. “We are working tirelessly to bring the individual responsible to justice.”
Thompson, who had worked with UnitedHealthcare for over two decades and was appointed CEO in 2021, was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His death has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry and left his family, friends, and colleagues grappling with the tragedy.
He is survived by his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, and their two children. The family resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they have built a life centered on community and family values.
Law enforcement continues to search for the assailant, described as a white male in a cream-colored jacket and black-and-white sneakers. Surveillance footage shows the shooter fleeing through the Ziegfeld alleyway before escaping on a bicycle.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The suspect remains at large, and investigators are exploring all possible motives, including professional or personal disputes.
As details emerge, the chilling footage underscores the calculated and brutal nature of the attack, leaving many to question what led to such a tragic and deliberate act of violence against a respected leader.