Police believe the person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left New York City
NYPD investigators have found a backpack in Central Park they believe may belong to the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a law enforcement source told CNN. The bag has not yet been confirmed as belonging to the suspect and is being sent to a forensic lab in Queens for testing, the source said.
Detectives announced earlier Friday that they suspect the shooter has left New York City. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, “We have reason to believe” the person responsible has departed the area.
As the investigation enters its third day, authorities are expanding the search and asking for public assistance outside city limits. Officials are urging people to scrutinize surveillance images released Thursday, which include an unmasked photo of the suspect described as a crucial piece of evidence.
Key Updates from the Investigation:
- Photos and Surveillance: Police view a smiling image of the suspect as a critical clue. Video footage shows the suspect entering the Port Authority Bus Station but not exiting, suggesting he may have boarded an interstate bus.
- Evidence Recovered: The backpack was discovered during a second search of the park on Friday evening, hidden between boulders near the park’s carousel. It was secured without being opened to preserve potential evidence and transported by excavator to prevent contamination.
- Ongoing Evidence Collection: Items recovered at the scene include a water bottle, believed to have been purchased and used by the killer, and a cell phone. Both have been sent for DNA testing. Key items like the bicycle used by the suspect and the weapon remain missing.
Pre-Meditation and Planning:
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed the suspect arrived in New York ahead of the attack. Surveillance footage shows him near the hotel about 30 minutes before the shooting, walking and observing the area. “He knew what time the victim would pass by and where the conference was being held,” Kenny said.
Forensic and Investigative Efforts:
Investigators are treating the backpack and surrounding area with extreme caution, handling it as they would a crime scene to avoid damaging any potential evidence, such as DNA. Soil around the backpack was also removed for analysis.
DNA samples from the water bottle and phone found at the scene have been submitted to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. These are being prioritized to assist in identifying the suspect. The NYPD has distributed the suspect’s image to every department member and is using facial recognition technology to aid in the search.
Assistance from the FBI:
The FBI is supporting the NYPD with advanced tools and resources. The department’s video collection unit is assembling a timeline of the suspect’s movements and canvassing for more footage to enhance their facial recognition database.
As the manhunt continues, the focus remains on identifying the gunman and bringing him to justice. Police and federal authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.