Backpack found yards away from fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO believed to belong to suspect
A backpack has been discovered by the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot.
Thompson was fatally shot on Wednesday morning (December 4) in what police said was a 'brazen, targeted attack' outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.
The 50-year-old executive was shot at about 6.45am as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said.
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The gunman appeared to be 'lying in wait for several minutes' before approaching Mr Thompson from behind and opening fire, explained New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
"Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target," Ms Tisch said, adding that the shooting 'does not appear to be a random act of violence'.
The suspect, dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and carrying a grey backpack, then fled on foot down an alleyway before pedalling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away.
Now the backpack the killer was carrying is thought to have been found.
Speaking to CNN, a law enforcement official said on Friday (December 6) that the item of clothing will be forensically tested in a lab in Queens to confirm its origins.
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed this to the news outlet and explained that a backpack was found in the Central Park but said it 'still has to be processed'.
In the wake of Thompson's untimely passing, his wife has spoken out and shared that he'd been receiving some 'threats' in the run up to his shooting.
Speaking to NBC News, Paulette Thompson said: "There had been some threats. I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.
"I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children."
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealth Care, has also spoken out and described Thompson as 'a highly respected colleague and friend'.
"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare," the company said.
"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.
"We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time."
UnitedHealth Group have rolled out new security plans for its employees following Thompson's death.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Niamh Shackleton