NYPD Ridiculed for Saying AI Will Find CEO Killer as They Fail to Name Suspect

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The Ongoing Manhunt for Brian Thompson’s Killer

The manhunt for the mysterious gunman who killed UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel early Wednesday morning continues. Even days later, the New York Police Department has yet to name a suspect.

The NYPD has highlighted progress in its investigation, which includes collecting evidence left at the crime scene and reviewing surveillance footage reportedly showing the suspect at an uptown hostel.

AI Steps Into the Investigation

According to FOX Business reporter Charles Gasparino, law enforcement plans to leverage artificial intelligence to analyze the footage, with AI expected to play a significant role in identifying the suspect.

“His mask didn’t totally cover his face,” an NYPD source told Gasparino. “Bone structure was visible, and AI will help generate a clearer match.”

CNN has also reported that the NYPD is using facial recognition software. Quasa has reached out to the NYPD for clarification and additional details.

Questions About AI Effectiveness

Whether AI will ultimately help solve the case remains uncertain. Online commentators quickly highlighted the technology’s known limitations, suggesting police may be relying on buzzwords amid a stalled investigation.

“Oh so he’s GONE gone,” one user replied on X. Another Bluesky post joked: “BREAKING: the police are looking for a man with nine fingers on one hand, two legs that merge into one, and a face that constantly shifts every two frames.”

The case is shaping up as a high-profile test of AI’s real-world value in policing following several past setbacks.

Key Details From the Crime Scene

The Associated Press reported that the suspect pulled down his mask while interacting with a hostel employee, providing a clearer view of his face. He used a fake New Jersey ID to check in.

Thompson led one of the world’s largest health insurers by revenue. His death has ignited widespread online discussion, with many people affected by the U.S. health insurance system expressing strong opinions about the industry.

UnitedHealth and AI in Claims Processing

UnitedHealth has faced criticism for deploying an AI algorithm that allegedly denied claims for elderly patients even after doctors approved them. A Senate report in 2026 found that denial rates for prior authorizations at UnitedHealthcare and other major insurers had risen sharply in recent years.

The words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were found written on shell casings recovered at the scene, suggesting the attack may have been driven by anger toward the health insurance industry.