Crime
Video shows Brian Thompson blood still on the ground where he shot
New York, NY – Authorities have identified the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, NYC Mayor Eric Adams revealed on Saturday.
The announcement comes as the investigation enters its fourth day, with law enforcement officials intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrator. Speaking at a Police Athletic League holiday event in Harlem, Mayor Adams expressed confidence in the progress being made.
“The net is tightening,” Adams said. While he confirmed that investigators now have the suspect’s name, he declined to disclose it, citing concerns about potentially tipping off the individual. “If you release the name now, you’re essentially giving the suspect an advantage,” Adams explained. “Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask. We’ve revealed his face, and soon we’ll reveal his identity. We are determined to bring him to justice.”
Adams also praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across the tri-state area, highlighting their meticulous work in following the suspect’s trail and gathering crucial evidence. “Some of it is public, some remains undisclosed, but rest assured, the pieces are coming together,” he stated.
Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on Wednesday as he approached a high-profile investor event in Manhattan without a security detail. The brazen attack, which occurred on a crowded sidewalk, was captured on surveillance cameras. After the shooting, the suspect fled on a bicycle through Central Park.
Surveillance footage showed the killer entering the park with a distinctive gray backpack and exiting without it. Investigators later recovered the bag during a grid search of the park, uncovering potential evidence. Notably, bullets found at the crime scene carried cryptic inscriptions reading “Deny,” “Defend,” and “Depose,” raising questions about the motive behind the assassination.
The suspect was also captured on surveillance video flashing a smile at a clerk at an Upper West Side youth hostel before the killing. While officials have not disclosed how they identified the suspect, they acknowledged the role of tips from the public in advancing the investigation.
Adams commended the relentless dedication of investigators. “Some of these officers haven’t gone home since this began. Their commitment to ensuring this individual is removed not just from New York’s streets but from anywhere in America is commendable,” he said. The motive for the killing remains unclear, but authorities are confident they are closing in on the suspect. “We will bring this person to justice,” Adams concluded.
The investigation continues as law enforcement urges anyone with additional information to come forward.
AUSTIN, TX – A bomb threat at McCallum High School prompted a heavy police response on Wednesday afternoon, leading to precautionary measures on campus.
According to Austin Police, the school was placed on hold around 3:00 p.m. as officers arrived at the scene on Sunshine Drive to investigate the reported threat.
School officials confirmed that students remained inside their classrooms, with hallways cleared and instruction continuing as normal.
Due to the ongoing police investigation, dismissal was delayed, and authorities urged the public to avoid the area and report any suspicious activity to 911.
This incident follows an online threat earlier in the week, which also resulted in an increased police presence on campus.
In a letter to families, Principal Andy Baxa explained that school officials had received a social media threat directed at the campus.
However, the Austin ISD Police Department swiftly identified the source of the post and contacted the student’s family.
Following an investigation, law enforcement determined that there was no credible plan to carry out the threat.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.