Crime
Authorities identified the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
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.
Crime
Victims in FSU Shooting Identified as Aramark Employee and Campus Dining Services Employee
All surviving victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is continuing to treat several victims following the mass shooting on the Florida State University campus that left two people dead and six others wounded on Thursday.
Hospital officials confirmed that patients were admitted with gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, with three individuals requiring surgical intervention.
As of 9 a.m. Friday, two patients were expected to be discharged, while three others were reported to be in improving condition.
One patient remains in fair condition.
All surviving victims are expected to make a full recovery.
The two individuals killed in the incident were identified as food service workers. One of the victims, Robert Morales, was a campus dining employee originally from Miami-Dade County.
Morales, who had worked at FSU since 2015, is survived by his wife and daughter.
His family issued a statement via social media: “Today we lost my younger brother. He was one of the victims killed at FSU. He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful wife and daughter.”
The second deceased victim was an employee of Aramark, the university’s food services contractor.
The individual’s name has not yet been publicly released.
In a statement, an Aramark spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy:
“We are heartbroken to confirm that an Aramark employee was among those killed at FSU yesterday in that senseless act of violence. We are absolutely shaken by the news, and our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community.”
Hospital leadership also acknowledged the community’s support:
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support for our emergency, trauma, and nursing teams. We are honored to be the hospital providing care to these patients,” TMH stated.
The suspected gunman, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Ikner, a Florida State University student, is the son of a veteran deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said he used one of his stepmother’s firearms during the shooting.
In a press release issued Friday morning, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell described the attack as a “heinous and despicable act of violence.”
“Our hearts are with the victims, families, students, and larger Florida State University community in the wake of this tragedy,” Revell said. “Sadly, two adult males were killed, and five others were injured by gunfire. An eighth individual sustained injuries while attempting to flee. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, remains in custody, and the investigation remains active. We are committed to bringing justice to the victims.”
The university announced it will host a candlelight vigil Friday evening at Langford Green to honor the victims.
In addition, mental health and counseling resources will be available to students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Askew Student Life Center.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting.