Assassin leaves chilling message on bullets used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO in New York as manhunt continues for masked gunman

Police are investigating the “targeted” killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson after discovering three chilling words inscribed on bullet casings at the scene of the shooting in Manhattan.

The 50-year-old executive was gunned down in what police described as a “brazen, targeted attack” outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning.

Detectives found the words “deny”, “defend” and “depose” etched onto shell casings recovered from the scene, potentially offering clues about the killer’s motives.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the attack was “premeditated”, though the motive remains unknown.

The shooting occurred at approximately 6.46am on Wednesday near the New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue.

Thompson was due to attend UnitedHealth Group’s annual Investor Conference at the hotel that morning.

The event began at 8am but was abruptly halted just after 9am when an official announced: “We’re dealing with a very serious situation. We’re going to have to bring to a close the event today.”

After being shot multiple times, Thompson was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in East Harlem in critical condition.

He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, described as a white male wearing a cream-coloured jacket and black face mask.

Sources told ABC News that several shots were fired during the attack, with the gun briefly jamming before being cleared.

Witnesses reported seeing the suspect lingering near the hotel before the attack.

The gunman, who was also wearing black and white trainers and carrying a grey backpack, fled the scene on a bicycle.

CCTV images released by the NYPD showed the suspected killer in Starbucks minutes before the targeted attack.

The gunman reportedly laid in wait for several minutes before shooting Thompson in the chest and calf.

The NYPD is offering a £7,850 ($10,000) reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture.

Thompson’s wife Paulette revealed he had received threats prior to his death.

In a statement, she described herself as “shattered” by the “senseless killing”.

“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” she said.

“Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”

The police investigation remains ongoing.