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.