Manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian at Thompson The suspected shooter continues for a second day Thursday, as the alleged shooter’s Starbucks visit draws scrutiny.

THE New York City Police Department released surveillance footage of the alleged killer — seen in a dark-colored jacket, with his hood pulled up and the lower part of his face covered — while inside an undisclosed Starbucks location.

Thompson was shot from behind shortly after 6:45 a.m. Wednesday outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, which later in the day was scheduled to host UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference.

Investigators are also examining a cup recovered from the trash at a Starbucks near the scene of the shooting.

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At Starbucks, the suspect appears to be wearing the same backpack depicted in surveillance footage released by the New York Police Department from the scene of the shooting, as well as in graphic surveillance video obtained by Fox News Digital capturing what investigators considered it a “premeditated and planned action”. and a 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.

The NYPD has released still images believed to be of the alleged assassin of the UnitedHealthcare CEO at Starbucks. (NYPD)

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

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

The unknown suspect accused of the targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO waits in line at Starbucks. (NYPD)

In the shocking video obtained by Fox News Digital, Thompson is seen walking in a New York City sidewalk when a masked man wearing a black hooded jacket and a backpack came up behind him and brandished a handgun.

THE The culprit fires several shots. At one point, the gun appeared to jam. The attacker then appears to swing his weapon to the side while walking towards the victim, who tries to flee.

The alleged shooter of the UnitedHealthcare CEO is visible on Starbucks surveillance cameras in an image released by New York police. (NYPD)

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After the shooting, the suspect walked between two vehicles, got on a bicycle, then disappeared into Central Park, the New York Police Department said.

It was previously reported that the suspect used a Citibike – which can be traced – but the New York Police Department clarified that the incident did not involve this type of bike.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan. (Photo credit: Businesswire | NYPD Crimestoppers)

Investigators hope evidence left behind will help identify him, including a cell 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 highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We work closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to the family of Brian and all his loved ones for him.”

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

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New York police said a search warrant was also underway at the victim’s nearby hotel room as investigators looked into whether any threats had been made against the CEO.

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, a few blocks from the scene of the shooting, went off without a hitch Wednesday evening while Thompson’s killer remained at large.

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