UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect may have used a veterinary weapon, police say
The suspect who fatally shot the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson in Manhattan may have used a special weapon more common on farms… at least according to police.
CNN
Chief of Detectives of the NYPD Joseph Kenny told reporters Friday that police investigators are looking into the possibility that the shooter used a veterinary weapon … a larger weapon commonly used on ranches and farms.
Kenny says this specialized, larger firearm is used on animals because, “If an animal needs to be put down, the animal can be shot without” the weapon making a loud noise.
So far, police say the gun hasn’t been recovered… though the NYPD says found a backpack in Central Park it is being investigated whether it possibly belongs to the suspect.
As we reported, the backpack appears to be an Everyday Backpack from Peak Designs… a bag intended for serious photographers, but also designed for casual use.
Police say they have the suspect on video riding a bicycle from the shooting scene to Central Park, then leaving the park on the bicycle and taking a taxi to the Port Authority bus station.
Police believe he boarded a bus and left New York City altogether… and may have traveled out of state.
NYPD has previously said the suspect arrived in New York on a bus from Atlanta and checked into a hostel using a fake ID. Police released a photo of the suspect’s face, but he has not yet been identified.
