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
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.