The shooter appears to be “experienced” in handling firearms: police

16 minutes ago

Copy the link to this blog post

The gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson appears to have been “proficient” with firearms, police say, although they can’t say for sure whether he was a professional hit man.

The 9mm pistol he used to shoot Thompson jammed, but the shooter was able to “correct the malfunctions fairly quickly,” suggesting he was familiar with firearms, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Police have not yet identified a motive for the shooting. although Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC News he had recently received threats.

Investigators are interviewing Thompson’s associates and family members in Minnesota, and the NYPD has executed a search warrant for his hotel room.

The Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center will continue as usual, police say

16 minutes ago

Copy the link to this blog post

The Christmas tree lighting is expected to go on as usual tonight at Rockefeller Center after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot a few blocks away. Police say they will have a heavy presence in the area.

“This incident will not impact the tree lighting,” said NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, who noted that the ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and the lighting will begin at 10 p.m. “We will have a massive police presence around Rockefeller Center from 52nd Floor down to 47th Street.

The police presence will also be increased in the subway. “This is a terrible event, but we will move on and people will enjoy the tree lighting tonight,” Maddrey said.

The suspect was last seen fleeing on an electric Citi bicycle into Central Park, which is in the opposite direction from Rockefeller Center.