Mysterious messages about the bullets used in the killing of the United Healthcare executive
New York authorities are revealing the shocking death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was shot to death outside the Hilton Midtown hotel on December 4. The killing, described as a “horrific, targeted attack,” has raised questions about possible motives, including a disturbing link to insurance industry practices and – a controversial book.
Criminal and Confidential Indicators
Thompson, 50, was shot and killed while crossing the street to his hotel. The suspect, who was masked and waiting by the entrance, fired a silenced gun, hitting Thompson in the back and leg, before fleeing on an electric bicycle towards Central Park.
What caught the attention of the public and police alike was the discovery of three letters with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “demolish” next to three live rounds. Investigators believe the transcripts could be symbolic, potentially guiding systemic practices in the insurance industry, and are now exploring possible connections to the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend by Jay M. Feinman.
🚨UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection with a murder in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a planned, targeted attack.
Comprehensive investigative efforts for… pic.twitter.com/K3kzC4IbtS
– NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 5, 2024
The investigation led police to a hostel on the Upper West Side where detectives believe the suspect used a fake ID and paid in cash.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the attack was planned. Surveillance footage shows the gunman lying in wait, which is consistent with the statement of Thompson’s wife, Paulette, who testified that her husband had received threats.
A Disturbing Similarity to Feinman’s Book
Feinman’s book, Delay, Deny, Defend, criticizes insurance companies for putting profit over fairness by delaying payments, denying valid claims, and vigorously defending their decisions in court. Focused phrases found at the crime scene reflect the essence of Feinman’s criticism, leading to speculation that the shooter may have been inspired by the book, and may have lost a rejected claim at the hands of a major insurer.
This book examines the erosion of the principle of good faith in insurance, which is the main point that requires companies to do what policyholders want. Feinman highlights how these tactics often leave consumers helpless, especially those who don’t know their legal rights.
Authorities have not confirmed any direct link between the letter and the crime, but the connection has drawn significant public and media attention, intensifying scrutiny of UnitedHealthcare’s business practices.
UnitedHealthcare Under the Microscope
Thompson’s killing has drawn criticism from UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest health insurer, which has been accused of unethical practices. Allegations include using bureaucratic hurdles and artificial intelligence to deny claims, particularly through AI tool NaviHealth. A recent class action lawsuit alleges that the system wrongly denies 90% of Medicare Advantage members’ post-acute care claims.
In July, more than 150 protesters demonstrated outside the company’s headquarters in Minnesota, calling its practices exploitative. Critics have accused UnitedHealthcare of leaving patients without essential care, a claim echoed by Paulette Thompson. “People were scaring him because of the lack of supplies,” he told NBC.
Investigation Gathers Momentum
The NYPD has released surveillance photos of the masked suspect and is following multiple leads. A cell phone was found near the scene and eyewitness reports indicate that the suspect fled to Central Park. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the shooter’s capture.
Flags at UnitedHealthcare’s Minnesota campus were lowered to half-mast. Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, expressed his condolences in a message to employees: “Brian was a truly extraordinary person who touched the lives of so many people throughout our organization and beyond. It is a terrible tragedy.”
Thompson’s estate
A longtime leader in the healthcare industry, Thompson became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He previously served in various senior roles, including oversight of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and managed corporate mergers and acquisitions.
He is survived by his wife, Paulette, two sons, his mother and a brother. The crisis has left the health and insurance industries reeling and in urgent need of answers.
The murky clues, the organized nature of the attacks, and the possible connection to organized injustice in the insurance industry have left investigators piecing together a complex and terrifying case.
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