Hours after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically killed in New York City, his family’s homes in Minnesota became the target of what is believed to be a swatting attempt.
This alarming turn of events was revealed by the Maple Grove Police Department, which responded to a bomb threat involving two properties around 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Bomb Threat and Investigation
The threat was reported to have been directed at the Maple Grove City Attorney’s office via email, alleging that a pipe bomb had been placed at Thompson’s residence.
The homes involved were those of Thompson, 50, and his wife, Paulette Thompson, as confirmed by Hennepin County property records.
Authorities conducted an extensive search but found no suspicious devices or items.
Police have since classified the case as an active investigation, but the incident appears to have been a hoax.
Thompson’s Background and Prior Threats
Brian Thompson had purchased his $1 million home in Minnesota in 2018. Neighbors recalled him often traveling for work, with little time spent at home.
Paulette, a practicing physical therapist, revealed that her estranged husband had been the target of threats in the past.
Despite having a security detail while on his New York City trip, Thompson was alone when the fatal attack occurred Wednesday morning.
Killer’s Movements and NYPD Investigation
The NYPD has since released new images of the suspect involved in the shooting.
One shows the killer, wearing a fresh coat and a face mask, hiding in the back of a cab.
Another image captures him standing outside the vehicle on the road.
These photos were taken just moments after the assassin was picked up on 86th Street, two minutes after he left Central Park.
Further footage from the NYPD gives more clarity on the assassin’s escape route.
After the shooting, the suspect was seen riding an electric bike down 6th Avenue before darting into Central Park.
Investigators have pieced together his path, showing that he entered the park shortly after the murder and was later spotted exiting on 77th Street.
The Fatal Attack in Midtown
The tragic shooting occurred at around 6:45 a.m. in Midtown Manhattan, just hours before the annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center.
Thompson, a father of two, was targeted in a cold-blooded attack.
He was shot in the chest and leg by the gunman, who then fled the scene on an electric bicycle.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect waiting outside the hotel before the attack, seemingly aware of which door Thompson would use.
After the shooting, NYPD officers were seen performing CPR on Thompson before he was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
What’s Next?
The investigation into Thompson’s murder and the bizarre swatting incident continues as the NYPD intensifies their search for the killer.
With fresh footage and clues emerging, authorities are hopeful that they will soon make an arrest.
The tragic death of the CEO has left his family and the community in shock, with many questions still unanswered.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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