The manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s alleged assassin extends into a second day Thursday as the alleged shooter’s Starbucks visit comes under scrutiny.

The New York Police Department has released surveillance images of the suspected killer – seen wearing a dark jacket, with the hood pulled up and the lower part of his face covered – while inside an undisclosed Starbucks location.

Thompson was shot in the back just after 6:45 a.m. Wednesday outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, where UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference was scheduled to take place later that day.

Investigators are also examining a cup that was recovered from the trash at a Starbucks near the crime scene.

ASSASSIN, UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO, Believed he left message about bullet casings at crime scene: report

At the Starbucks, the male suspect appears to be carrying the same backpack seen in surveillance images released by the NYPD from the crime scene, as well as graphic surveillance video obtained by Fox News Digital that captures what investigators describe as “premeditated, pre-planned.” and targeted attack.”

Police said Thompson, who leaves behind a wife and two children, had been in town from Minnesota since Monday and was staying across the street.

Police sources told the New York Post that the words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” were written on the live cartridges and shell casings left behind by the assassin after the shooting.

The evidence also suggested that each bullet and shell casing had only one word on it, leading them to believe he may have been trying to leave a message, sources said.

In the shocking video, obtained by Fox News Digital, Thompson can be seen walking down a street New York City When a masked man wearing a black hooded jacket and a backpack comes up behind him and raises a pistol.

The Perpetrator fires several shots. At some point the gun appeared to jam. The attacker then appears to slam the weapon on his side as he walks toward the victim, who tries to escape.

Security measures have been tightened for the annual Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting after a gunman killed the CEO of UnitedHealtCare

After the shooting, the suspect walked between two vehicles, got on a bicycle and then disappeared into Central Park, the NYPD said.

It was previously reported that the suspect Used a Citibike – which can be prosecuted – but the NYPD has clarified that the incident did not involve that type of bike.

Investigators hope the accompanying evidence left behind will help identify him, including, but not limited to: Mobile phone discovered in an alley near the hotel.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. “Brian was a valued colleague and friend to everyone who worked with him. We are working closely with the NYPD and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our condolences go out to Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or in Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA. Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.com.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The NYPD said a search warrant was also executed at the victim’s nearby hotel room as investigators sought to determine whether threats had been made against the CEO.

The annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, just blocks from the crime scene, went off without a hitch Wednesday evening as Thompson’s killer remained at large.

Fox News’ Christina Shaw and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.