NEW YORK - Shocking news has rattled the nation as the search intensifies for the gunman responsible for the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Law enforcement officials believe the assailant may have escaped New York City on a bus, adding urgency to the manhunt.

New surveillance footage reveals the suspect, identified as a masked individual, rode a bicycle to Central Park shortly after the fatal shooting during the company’s annual investor conference. In an alarming twist, he later took a taxi to a nearby bus depot, as reported by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

“It is our belief that this person is no longer in New York City,” said Commissioner Jessica Tisch, citing strong evidence of a targeted attack, although the motive for this heinous act remains unclear.

Adding layers to this chilling incident, investigators discovered the shooter arrived in New York last month via a bus from Atlanta. Notably, footage shows him frequently paying in cash at various Manhattan establishments—an unusual behavior that may complicate his identification.

Among the critical evidence in the investigation are tested DNA samples from a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper found near the crime scene. Furthermore, police hope to extract even more significant data from a cellphone recovered after the shooting incident, which occurred just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.

Images captured in a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side depict the suspect unmasked and smiling, which is strikingly different from his masked demeanor during the actual shooting, suggesting he may have been conscious about concealing his identity. Witnesses recall his polite interactions with hostel staff, where he reportedly lowered his mask while flirting with a female employee, revealing his face for just a moment.

Eyewitness accounts have indicated that the shooter might possess firearms training, evident from the way he executed the attack with chilling efficiency—approaching Thompson from behind and shooting him multiple times with a silencer-equipped firearm. Disturbingly, markings on the ammunition read “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” eerily mimicking a common phrase used in legal circles surrounding insurance claims.

Brian Thompson, a family man with two sons, had been a leader at UnitedHealthcare since 2004, and his tragic death at the Hilton Hotel has sent shockwaves through the corporate and healthcare sectors. The company, which provides coverage for over 49 million Americans, has suspended its investor conference in light of the tragedy and has pledged to support Thompson’s family and ensure employee safety.

The ramifications of this shocking crime extend beyond just one company; it has stirred fears in corporate America at large. Companies are now reassessing their security measures, with some Minnesota-based firms even opting to close their offices temporarily.

As the investigation unfolds, the urgency to capture this dangerous individual grows. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue their relentless hunt for justice.