NEW: Arrest Made In Shocking Murder Of CEO In NYC
Authorities in Pennsylvania have apprehended a man believed to be connected to the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a case that has gripped New York City and sparked a nationwide search. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was taken into custody in Altoona after being recognized by a witness at a local McDonald’s.
The manhunt, which entered its sixth day on Monday, has been a priority for law enforcement since Thompson was fatally shot outside a Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday. Police sources told ABC News that the suspect was carrying a firearm matching the description of the unusual weapon used in the killing—a bolt-action gun with a long barrel, a rarity in urban crime scenes. Investigators believe the distinctive weapon may have agricultural or veterinary origins.
Police in Altoona also confiscated writings and a computer from the man, according to sources. The suspect was reportedly in possession of a fake ID, identical to one previously linked to a check-in at a New York City hostel.
Authorities also recovered a computer during the arrest, which is now being analyzed for potential evidence. NYPD detectives have been dispatched to Pennsylvania, where the suspect is being held for questioning. Law enforcement officials emphasize that while the arrest is a promising lead, the investigation remains ongoing.
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“The eyebrows match,” a police source commented to Fox News, confirming the individual’s resemblance to the suspect. According to a law enforcement official cited by the Associated Press, the person had a manifesto that included writings critical of the health insurance industry.
Detectives concentrated their investigation on the shooter’s trip to Manhattan, where he arrived on November 24, utilizing knowledge of the bus route he used, sources indicated. The investigation team traveled to Atlanta, where the bus journey began, and meticulously reviewed extensive video footage and images from each of the 13 stops along the route, according to CBS News.
Surveillance footage provided chilling insight into Thompson’s final moments. The video, reviewed by investigators, shows the suspect lingering near the Hilton Hotel, seemingly waiting for Thompson. Passersby are ignored until Thompson comes into view, at which point the suspect crosses 54th Street, approaches from behind, and opens fire before fleeing the scene.
Despite the initial fears caused by Thompson’s high-profile killing, police have repeatedly assured the public that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety. The NYPD’s search for physical evidence extended to Central Park, where dive teams were deployed earlier this week. Investigators have scoured areas near water features in hopes of locating the murder weapon or other critical clues.
The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were discovered by investigators on the shell casings found at the scene where Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was gunned down.
Thompson was shot to death at point blank range after he was exiting a Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning. Disturbing footage of the murder shows a masked gunman in a black sweatshirt shooting the healthcare CEO at least twice, once in the back and once in the right calf, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference. The victim was transported to a local hospital by emergency workers, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
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