Healthcare CEO killed after threats over coverage denials

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Police investigating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder have found evidence suggesting a targeted attack, with shell casings at the scene bearing ominous inscriptions: “Deny,” “Defend,” and “Depose.”

The fatal shooting occurred on December 4, 2024, when Thompson, 50, who earned $9.9 million annually and led the company for over three years, was approaching the New York Hilton Midtown for an investor conference.

!!! The shooter of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson wrote “deny” “defend” “depose” on the shell casings left at the scene, ABC News reports.

The words echo the name of a book about how insurers won’t pay claims.

This is an EARTHQUAKE for corporate America. pic.twitter.com/iBI255WPOl

— Alex Berenson (@AlexBerenson) December 5, 2024

Security footage revealed a skilled assailant who, despite a weapon malfunction, efficiently dispatched multiple rounds at close range before escaping via e-bike through Central Park.

“It does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said at the news conference.

The investigation uncovered six 9mm rounds, both live and spent, marked with the threatening words. Thompson’s spouse revealed prior threats against her husband.

“There had been some threats,” she told NBC News. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

BREAKING: The shell casings discovered at the shooting scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson bore inscriptions reading "deny," "defend," and "depose." These inscriptions echo the themes found in the book *Delay, Deny, Defend*, which details common tactics employed by… pic.twitter.com/5lCmrZdy62

— XNN (@xnnprime) December 5, 2024

The murder investigation coincides with ongoing controversies surrounding UnitedHealthcare, including a DOJ antitrust probe and scrutiny over significant stock sales by executives. Thompson himself sold $15.1 million in shares shortly before the antitrust investigation became public, while other executives, including Chairman Stephen Helmsley, collectively sold over $101.5 million in shares.

The company recently faced additional challenges, including accusations of monopolistic practices and a massive data breach affecting millions of Americans, resulting in a $22 million ransom payment and estimated damages of $705 million.

Authorities are currently offering $10,000 for information leading to the suspect’s capture.