As the search for the shooter of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson stretches into its fourth day, reports are emerging that the NYPD is receiving false tips regarding the suspect.
According to a New York Times article by Maria Cramer, NYPD’s Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny held a news briefing Friday where he gave a timeline of the incident and reportedly stated that the department is investigating every single tip, “as weird as some of them are.”
Online, bitter users are posting seemingly purposefully false claims about the gunman’s whereabouts. Under an NYPD Instagram post, one commenter wrote, “I saw him in Philly. Sat right next to me in a restaurant.” Another claimed, “I saw him get on a plane to China.” Under a post by ABC 7 LA, a user wrote, “He was with me in LA, no way he could be in NYC.”
The reaction to UnitedHealthcare’s statement on Thompson’s death has also drawn attention online. On the company’s Facebook post mourning Thompson, over 77,000 emoji reactions poured in, with the majority being laughing emojis.
The investigation into Brian Thompson’s murder remains ongoing as of Saturday, with the NYPD revealing that the suspect may have already fled New York and the FBI now offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Key evidence has also emerged in the last several days, including reports from ABC 7 New York that the suspect checked into a hostel on 104th Street and Amsterdam “using a New Jersey license that isn’t his.”
According to The Associated Press, the ammunition that the gunman used to kill Brian Thompson also had three words written on it: “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.”
UnitedHealthcare also put out a post on their instagram page Wednesday, stating “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
