By Jahaura Michelle
Blavity
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
https://blavity.com/
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s death has sparked an ongoing investigation into the shooting and the masked gunman, but new details have since emerged regarding the bullets used in the fatal attack.
Words related to insurance terms found on the bullets used in the shooting
According to CBS News, the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the shell casings recovered at the shooting scene, according to law enforcement officials. While the meaning of the words remains unclear, investigators are reviewing whether the markings are terms often used by insurance companies when responding to insurance claims.
Officials investigating the case believe the words, neatly written in Sharpie, could point to a possible motive linked to the “three Ds of insurance” — “delay,” “deny,” and “defend” — terms coined by critics of the health insurance industry, who they say, are used to delay or deny policyholder’s claims, per CBS News.
Gunman targeted Thompson outside of his hotel, security footage reveals
As Blavity reported, Thompson, 50, was outside of the Hilton Midtown hotel around 6:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday,when an unknown gunman shot him in the chest. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, and was later pronounced dead. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the shooting was a targeted attack on Thompson.
Thompson was in New York to speak at UnitedHealth Group’s investor day, scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. ET at the hotel. Police reviewed security footage, which showed the unknown gunman waiting outside for Thompson’s arrival. Minutes later, Thompson appeared and approached the hotel, at which point the shooter fired from behind using a silenced gun. The gunman then fired a single close-range shot as he and Thompson locked eyes before fleeing the scene, CNBC and The New York Times reported.
The suspect was described as a white male wearing a black hoodie and pants while carrying a gray backpack.
As of Thursday afternoon, the gunman remains at large but law enforcement officials have kept tabs on the man, including his whereabouts before and after the shooting, including a Starbucks and the Frederick Douglass Houses, a public housing project on the Upper West Side, according to WABC.
UnitedHealth Group shared a statement following Thompson’s death.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson” the company said in a statement obtained by WABC.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
