Authorities have reportedly detained a man in Altoona, Pennsylvania in connection with the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, according to police sources.
Law enforcement officials said the man is considered to be a person of interest, and is being held for questioning in connection with the fatal shooting, according to TMZ. Sources close to the situation said someone provided local police a tip that the person of interest was observed in a McDonald’s. The individual claimed the man had a firearm similar to the one used in the murder.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 4: A wanted poster is set up for an NYPD press conference regarding a homicide that authorities believe was a targeted attack at One Police Plaza on December 4, 2024, in New York City. United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot before 7:00am this morning, before he was to attend the company’s annual investors meeting. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
People have speculated on the gun allegedly used in Thompson’s murder, according to TMZ. Certain law enforcement sources suggested that the firearm is a veterinary gun frequently used on farms and ranches to put down animals as opposed to a pistol with a silencer attached as previously reported.
The unidentified suspect appeared to walk behind Thompson on Wednesday and shoot a gun multiple times in front of the New York Hilton Midtown hotel before leaving the scene.
Police believe the suspect entered an alley close by and rode a Citi Bike e-bicycle to Central Park before disappearing, according to TMZ.
Law enforcement officials are investigating multiple leads at this time and are operating on the belief that the suspect is no longer in New York City. Authorities suspect the alleged shooter arrived at Manhattan on a bus from Atlanta. He reportedly used a hostel in Manhattan for several days and was photographed at the front desk in photos that have been broadly circulated.
Shell casings found at the scene of the shooting were engraved with the words “deny,” “depose” and “defend,” an apparent reference to a 2010 book titled “Delay, Deny, Defend,” which slams the health insurance sector. (RELATED: Fmr FBI Agent Breaks Down Alleged Assassin’s ‘Mistakes’ Targeting UnitedHealthcare CEO)
No further information has been released about the person of interest that is currently behind held by authorities.
This story continues to develop.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
