Suspect in CEO Brian Thompson Shooting Smiled Because He Was Flirting with Hostel Staffer: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

The suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEOBrian Thompsonwas caught on camera smiling after flirting with a worker at the hostel where he was staying, according to reports, which cite police sources.

The New York Police Department released a photo of the smiling suspect on Thursday, Dec. 5. BothABCandCNNreport, citing law enforcement sources, that the man pulled down his mask so that he could flirt with a woman working at the hostel.

CNN reports that the woman told police she had asked the man to lower the mask.

The gunman pointed a 9mm handgun at Thompson and fired at least three shots from behind, sending the CEO tumbling to the sidewalk. He was pronounced dead later that morning in a local hospital.

The perpetrator, meanwhile, fled the scene on a bicycle and was last seen heading into Central Park. Police believe he stayed at the hostel prior to the shooting.

NYPDnews/X

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During the shooting and the getaway, he was wearing a “very distinctive grey backpack,” police say.

Thompson began his career at UnitedHealth in 2004 and became CEO in 2021. He lived in Minnesota with his wife Paulette and their two children.

His wife toldNBC News he had recently received threats, possibly connected to denial of healthcare coverage.The Wall Street Journalreported Thompson and his wife had been separated for years before his killing.

source: people.com