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New York police are working to identify the person who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. They are using facial recognition technology and a discarded mobile phone as part of their investigation.

Thompson, 50, was shot in the back on Wednesday morning outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The killer fled without taking any of Thompson’s belongings, leading police to suspect a premeditated attack. Surveillance footage from a nearby Starbucks captured the suspect just before the shooting.

Details of the Shooting and Escape

The attack occurred at 6:45 a.m. EST near Times Square and Central Park, in a busy area of Manhattan. Thompson had been scheduled to speak at an investor conference later that day.

According to police, the suspect—wearing a black face mask and a light-colored jacket—waited for Thompson outside the Hilton hotel for about five minutes. When Thompson arrived on foot, the suspect shot him in the back and leg. Thompson was pronounced dead at a local hospital about 30 minutes later.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that the suspect’s weapon initially jammed but was quickly fixed to continue firing. CCTV footage shows the attacker used a pistol fitted with a suppressor. After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot. Initial reports suggested he used an electric Citi Bike, but the bike’s owner, Lyft, confirmed this was incorrect.

Investigation Progress

Police are focusing on several clues to identify the suspect. Surveillance footage from a Starbucks shows the suspect with his mask partially pulled down, revealing his eyes and part of his nose. Investigators are using facial recognition software to compare the image to known records.

Three bullet casings and three live rounds were found at the crime scene. The casings bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” Police are testing them for DNA evidence. A mobile phone discovered along the suspect’s escape route is also being analyzed. Additionally, investigators plan to search Thompson’s hotel room at a nearby Marriott.

Motive Still Unclear

Brian Thompson joined UnitedHealth in 2004 and became CEO in 2021. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant financial success.

So far, police have not identified a motive for the killing. The suspect did not steal any of Thompson’s belongings. In an MSNBC interview, Thompson’s wife mentioned that he had received threats in the past but did not know specific details. In 2018, police investigated a suspicious incident at Thompson’s Minnesota home, but no criminal activity was found.

The investigation continues as police work to uncover more details about the suspect and the motive behind the killing.