New York City police are in a race against time to capture the gunman responsible for the shocking daylight execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Fresh surveillance images released Thursday reveal the suspected shooter smiling—a chilling juxtaposition to the violent act that took place on a bustling Manhattan street.

X Screenshot – NYPDnews

The NYPD shared two new photos of the alleged assailant as investigators intensified their efforts to track him down. The release of these images marks the first time the suspect’s face has been made public.

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“With these new photos, if indeed they are the shooter, it is now only a matter of time,” said Paul Mauro, a Fox News crime analysis contributor.

“Facial recognition and advanced investigative technologies have come a long way. My understanding is the police are making significant progress on other fronts in this case.  You can’t get away with murder these days. The detectives will get whoever is behind this, and soon.”

X Screenshot – NYPDnews

The investigation has unearthed unsettling details about the crime. Police sources revealed that the bullet casings left at the scene contained cryptic messages—words like “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” were inscribed on both live rounds and spent shells.

These terms, investigators believe, may reference tactics used by insurance companies to deny claims, a connection that could provide insights into the motive behind the attack.

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The Associated Press reports that each word was carefully written, leading police to suspect the killer wanted to send a deliberate message.

Thompson’s wife said, “There had been some threats. I don’t know details. I just know that he said that there were some people that had been threatening hmi.”

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Surveillance footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the masked gunman stalking Thompson as he walked down a Midtown sidewalk on December 4. Dressed in a black hooded jacket and carrying a backpack, the shooter approached Thompson from behind, raised a handgun, and fired multiple rounds.

At one point, the firearm appeared to jam, prompting the assailant to smack the weapon as he pursued his fleeing victim.

After the attack, the suspect fled on a bike through Central Park. Initial reports claimed a Citibike was used, but NYPD later clarified that was incorrect.

Investigators are now analyzing additional evidence, including a cell phone found near the crime scene and a cup retrieved from a Starbucks trash can.

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UnitedHealth Group expressed deep sorrow over Thompson’s death in a public statement:

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted in Spanish by calling 1-888-57-PISTA or through the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.com.

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