Crime
Killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson wrote “deny”, “defend” and “depose” on bullet casings
Thompson collapsed on the busy sidewalk as bystanders scrambled for cover.
Investigators have revealed chilling details in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, who was gunned down in what police are calling a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.”
Shell casings recovered from the crime scene outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” according to a senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.
The shooting occurred early Wednesday morning on Sixth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan.
Thompson was walking toward the hotel to deliver remarks at UnitedHealth Group’s highly anticipated investor conference when a masked gunman ambushed him.
Surveillance footage shows the gunman, who had been waiting near the hotel entrance for several minutes, approaching Thompson from behind. He fired at least two shots: one striking Thompson in the back and another hitting his right calf, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed during a press briefing.
Thompson collapsed on the busy sidewalk as bystanders scrambled for cover. Medics performed CPR at the scene before rushing him to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Despite the alarming nature of the attack, police have yet to identify the gunman or determine a motive. “This was clearly a calculated act, but as of now, we have no insight into the specific reasons behind the attack,” Tisch said.
The phrases written on the shell casings have added an unsettling layer to the investigation. Experts in criminal psychology suggest the words—”deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—could be linked to legal or corporate conflicts, but no conclusions have been drawn.
Authorities are working to decipher whether the words reflect the gunman’s intent or serve as a symbolic message connected to Thompson’s professional role.
The attack has raised questions about Thompson’s safety protocols, particularly since law enforcement sources have confirmed that he had received threats in the past. Despite this, Thompson reportedly did not travel with a personal security detail.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty expressed shock and grief over the tragic loss of Thompson, describing him as “an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend.” The investor conference was abruptly canceled following the shooting, with Witty stating that the company’s focus is on supporting Thompson’s family and cooperating with the investigation.
The incident occurred in a highly visible and heavily trafficked area of Manhattan, prompting heightened security concerns. Mayor Eric Adams reassured the public that the attack appeared to be isolated and targeted, rather than a random act of violence.
Police are actively pursuing leads, including reviewing surveillance footage from the scene and nearby areas. The suspect has been described as a white male wearing a black mask, a cream-colored jacket, black-and-white sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack. He was last seen fleeing the scene on a bicycle through the Ziegfeld alleyway.
As investigations continue, officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.