Ex-bodyguard of slain UnitedHealthcare CEO fuels conspiracy theories
A former bodyguard was left ‘shocked’ by the brutal murder of the CEO.
December 5, 2024, published at 4:13 PM ET
A former bodyguard for slain UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has fueled conspiracy theories about why he was walking alone in New York City before the “targeted attack.”
RadarOnline.com can reveal that two executive protection advisers are in disbelief over the 50-year-old’s murder that took place outside a Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning.
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Thompson was walking alone in New York City when he was shot.
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A former bodyguard of Thompson’s revealed he is in complete disbelief that the director had no security when he was murdered in the early hours while walking to a work conference.
Philip Klein, who previously protected the CEO in the 2000s, admitted he was “shocked and dismayed” by the murder and had “no details” with him.
He also admitted that Thompson should have worn “a vest” for extra protection.
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Two security consultants, who did not work for Thompson, gave their opinions on the deadly attack.
Brittney Blair, who specializes in advising executives on their personal safety for the risk management firm K2 Integrity, admitted in an interview that she was “floored” when Thompson walked through New York City without bodyguards.
She added: “I have seen many CEOs and top business leaders who sometimes feel that corporate security may be a bit overboard. They feel – I don’t want to say untouchable, but they may underestimate how much of a public figure they are.”
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A former Secret Service agent who now runs the private security firm LaSorsa and Associates, Joseph LaSorsa, revealed that intensive security could cost around $100,000 a month – but it still may not have protected him from his brutal death.
LaSorsa said, “I know it sounds extreme, but you can’t soften a murder if someone is determined to do it to you. Sooner or later they will succeed.’
He added that even if Thompson had security with him “and they both had their backs turned, they both would have been shot.”
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The killer is being hunted by the NYPD and was spotted ‘smiling’.
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Early Wednesday morning around 6:45 am, Thompson was shot in the back and leg while walking alone to a work conference.
The CEO was given CPR at the scene and was quickly transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after the attack.
According to the N.Y.P.DAccording to the chief of investigators, Joseph Kenny, the gunman’s gun appeared to jam after he shot Thompson, but quickly fixed it and shot the CEO again.
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The killer was spotted moments earlier at Starbucks.
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A massive manhunt and investigation was launched after the gunman left clues at the crime scene.
Police revealed that the suspect had been photographed at a nearby Starbucks wearing a face mask just minutes before the shooting, but facial features could still be seen.
Using these images, researchers try to use facial recognition software to find a match.
Police are also testing three bullet casings and three live rounds found at the scene for DNA to help track down the killer.
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A cell phone was also found along the same path the suspect took after hopping on his bike and fleeing the scene.
Police have obtained a search warrant to search the contents of the phone they believe belongs to the shooter.
As for other clues, social media users were quick to point out that the shooter was wearing a luxury backpack that retails for $279 and is well known in the photography field.
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The killer then fled on a bicycle.
Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette Thompson, and two sons.
In a statement to NBC News, Thompson’s wife revealed that there had been some “threats” before her husband was killed.
A motive behind the brutal attack is not known at this time.
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