Navy SEAL Author of ‘The Killing School’ Weighs in on UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder

The cold-blooded murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, in Midtown Manhattan has sent shockwaves through both the corporate world and the general public. As the Managing Editor at SOFREP and a former Army officer, I aim to dissect the available information to determine whether this was the work of a professional hitman or an amateur assailant. We’ll also attempt to determine what type of weapon the killer used. 

The Shooting

On the morning of December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in a brazen and targeted attack outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan. The shooting occurred around 6:40-6:45 AM EST outside the hotel entrance. Surveillance footage revealed that the gunman had been waiting in the area for approximately five minutes before Thompson arrived. As Thompson neared the doorway on West 54th Street, the shooter emerged from behind and fired multiple shots, striking him in the back and leg.

Thompson stumbled forward, turned to face his attacker, and then collapsed. Shockingly, the gunman approached the fallen CEO and continued firing at close range. At one point during the assault, the firearm appeared to jam, but the shooter quickly cleared the malfunction and resumed firing. The entire incident, including the moment the attacker walked up behind Thompson, pointed the weapon and opened fire, was captured on surveillance video.

The crime scene provided further evidence of the violent encounter. Police recovered three spent shell casings and three live rounds from a 9mm pistol. The attack, described by authorities as “brazen” and clearly premeditated, underscores the shooter’s knowledge of Thompson’s schedule and precise location that morning. This chilling act, committed in the heart of Manhattan, has left investigators piecing together the details of a deliberate and calculated killing. It seems like the kind of event torn from the pages of a fiction thriller, but Thompson’s cold-blooded murder was all too real.

Professional Hit or Amateur Hour?

Indicators of a Professional Hit

Several indicators suggest that the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson may have been the work of a professional. By “professional,” I mean gun for hire that has some knowledge and training in how to carry out a targeted killing. First, the level of premeditation involved stands out. The gunman had been waiting for at least five minutes before Thompson arrived, indicating careful planning and surveillance. This obviously wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment crime; the shooter appeared to know Thompson’s exact schedule and which entrance he would use, suggesting thorough research and preparation.

Police have described the incident as a “brazen, targeted attack,” leaving no doubt that Thompson was specifically chosen as the victim. The weapon used in the shooting also points to a higher level of sophistication. Witnesses noted that the gun appeared to have an unusually long barrel or a silencer—items that are difficult to obtain legally and are often associated with professional killers…at least in works of fiction.

Additionally, investigators found shell casings at the scene with words like “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” inscribed on them, which clearly indicate a deliberate message behind the attack.

I find the word “depose” a particularly unusual choice to put on a shell casing (as if that isn’t a bizarre thing to do in the first place). In legal terms, “depose” means to question a party or witness under oath. Certainly, no one can depose Thompson now. In a political context, “depose” refers to the act of removing someone from a position of power, but this is often without killing them. By the shooter’s actions Mr. Thompson was definitely removed from his position of power.

For professional killers, the act is not personal. A hitman isn’t going to take the time to inscribe words into his shell casings. That is evidence. He would have optimally picked them up to eliminate evidence. This forces me to speculate. If the killer was hired, maybe he specified that inscribing the words on the shell casings would be part of the hit. A smart shooter would want no part of that.

The shooter’s quick escape adds another layer of professionalism to the incident. Reports show that an electric bike was prepositioned nearby for a swift getaway, a tactic that would require foresight and planning. Carrying out such an attack in a busy area of Manhattan during the morning rush also shows a high degree of confidence and precision. The shooter also made his way to Central Park, an area that would make it easier for him to facilitate a successful escape.

Something seems to be working in his favor. More than 24 hours after the killing, the suspect is still on the loose.

Indicators of Amateur Execution

While certain elements of the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson suggest planning, there are several signs that this may not have been the work of a professional hitman.

One major red flag is the weapon malfunction. During the attack, the gun jammed, forcing the shooter to clear it before continuing. A professional assassin would do their best to ensure their weapon was in perfect working condition to avoid such a critical error. On the other hand, knowing how to clear a malfunction so quickly indicates a degree of proficiency with the firearm.

While it is not possible to prevent 100% of malfunctions, certain steps can be taken to prevent this, especially when using a suppressor, which seems to be the case here.

Suppressors are often used to reduce the noise and muzzle flash of firearms, but they can also introduce certain reliability issues under specific conditions. These challenges primarily arise due to the way suppressors interact with a firearm’s mechanics.

One common issue is increased back pressure. When a suppressor is attached, more gas is redirected back into the firearm’s action. This can cause the bolt to cycle faster than intended, leading to feeding problems. It also results in a buildup of fouling and residue in the receiver and chamber, which can affect the firearm’s performance if not addressed.

Suppressors can also cause firearms to overheat more quickly than they otherwise would. The added heat can impact reliability, especially during extended firing sessions. Some firearms may experience cycling issues, becoming either over-gassed or under-gassed when a suppressor is attached. This can lead to failures in extracting spent casings or feeding new rounds into the chamber.

Ammunition sensitivity is another factor to consider. Firearms equipped with suppressors may become more finicky about the type of ammunition used, even if the same ammo worked perfectly without the suppressor. Additionally, suppressors must be properly aligned with the barrel. Misalignment can cause accuracy problems and, in severe cases, baffle strikes that can damage both the suppressor and the firearm.

Fortunately, these potential issues can often be mitigated with proper setup and maintenance. Adjusting the gas system on firearms that allow for it, using appropriate ammunition, ensuring the suppressor is correctly installed and aligned, cleaning the firearm regularly, and allowing it to cool during long shooting sessions can all help maintain reliability.

While suppressors can introduce challenges, with the right care and adjustments, they remain valuable tools for reducing noise and enhancing shooting comfort without significantly compromising firearm performance.

Additionally, the attacker fired multiple shots, continuing even after Thompson had fallen. This contrasts with the efficiency professionals aim for, typically using one or two well-placed shots to achieve their goal.

Brandon Webb, SOFREP Editor in Chief and author of the best-selling book, The Killing School, had the following to say about the shooter: “He seemed proficient but not a professional since the first rounds were apparently low and in the legs…sign of a nervous shooter.”

Another significant clue pointing to amateur execution is the evidence left behind. Investigators recovered a cellphone in an alley where the shooter fled, which could provide crucial information. Professional hitmen are generally
meticulous about not leaving traceable items behind. The attacker’s escape method also raises questions. The shooter fled on a Citi Bike into Central Park, which is neither a particularly sophisticated nor reliable getaway plan. A professional would likely have a more discreet and efficient escape route.

The suspect could have gone to greater lengths to disguise his appearance. Surveillance images captured parts of his face, suggesting insufficient effort to conceal their identity. The choice of time and location further points to inexperience. The attack occurred in a busy Manhattan area during the morning, increasing the likelihood of witnesses and a swift police response. A more seasoned assassin would typically select less crowded locations and times to minimize risks.

One of the more unusual details was the inscriptions on the ammunition. The words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were found etched onto the shell casings. While these may hold symbolic meaning, they also provide investigators with unnecessary clues. A professional would likely avoid using personalized ammunition that could draw attention or suggest a motive.

These factors—combined with the visible errors and risky choices—suggest that while the attacker may have been prepared, they likely lacked the expertise of a highly trained professional killer. The investigation will need to consider this mix of planning and amateur mistakes as it unfolds.

Additional Clues

A particularly chilling detail is that the bullets and shell casings recovered had words like “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” etched onto them. This could signify a personal vendetta or a message, adding complexity to the motive behind the killing. 

Paulette Thompson, Brian’s wife, recently stated to NBC News that “there had been some threats” against her husband. The specific nature of those threats was not noted.

It is worth noting that UnitedHealthcare Group has faced scrutiny recently, including accusations of denying healthcare procedures and treatments and a lawsuit alleging systemic denial of rehabilitation services to elderly patients. It is not clear if these issues were directly related to the threats that Thompson received, and such grievances are fairly common against major healthcare insurers.

Professional Hitman vs. Amateur Assailant

Criminological studies differentiate professional hitmen from amateurs based on factors such as detachment, meticulous planning, and execution efficiency. Professionals view their assignments as business transactions, maintaining emotional distance from their targets.

The combination of professional planning and amateurish mistakes in this case blurs the lines between these categories. It should be quite interesting to find out who the shooter was, if he is ever caught. 

Ongoing Investigation

The NYPD is actively pursuing leads, utilizing surveillance footage and forensic analysis to identify the perpetrator. They are also exploring potential motives, including threats Thompson had received related to his role at UnitedHealthcare.

Conclusion

The assassination of Brian Thompson exhibits characteristics of both a professional hit and an amateur attack. While the planning and certain aspects of the execution suggest professionalism, the operational errors and potential evidence left behind indicate a lack of experience. As the investigation progresses, further details may clarify the nature of this brazen act. Regardless, the incident underscores the vulnerabilities that even high-profile individuals face.

This is a developing situation. SOFREP will make you aware of any significant new discoveries in this case.

** Editor’s Note: For more on the shooting, check out our Editor in Chief, Brandon Webb’s, piece here.