Starbucks CCTV image could be key to finding killer who assassinated CEO on New York Street

The shocking assassination of a New York CEO is being investigated by police as they are offering $10,000 (£7,860) to anyone with information.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was brutally killed outside the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan by a masked person with a gun who, according to New York City Police Department (NYPD) commissioner Jessica Tisch, 'lay in wait for several minutes' at around 6:46 am local time, on Wednesday (4 December), NBC News reports.

Thompson, 50, was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf before he was taken to hospital and was pronounced dead.

CCTV footage of the shooting has circulated online (CNN)

With the help of an e-bike in Central Park, the assassin fled the scene, as a spokesperson for Lyft announced that police informed them it wasn't from their CitiBike program.

'Deny', 'depose' and 'defend' were also engraved on the live rounds and shell casings left behind from the silent gun.

Commissioner Tisch said: "Many people passed the suspect. But he appeared to wait for his intended target."

"From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly," NYPD chief of detectives Joseph Kenny added.

Now, the shooter was pictured via CCTV at a Starbucks just minutes before the attack took place, according to police.

In the image and the CCTV footage, the suspected shooter was wearing a black mask to cover their face, along with a grey backpack.

This comes after a mobile phone was found in an alley which was part of the person's escape route, Sky News reports.

Police could use this image to help with the case (NYPD)

Sky News further reports that police have also searched Thompson' hotel room at the Marriott nearby, as well as interviewing colleagues and looking through his social media.

Thompson's wife Paulette told NBC News that he'd said 'there were some people that had been threatening him', however, the police chief of Minnesota, Eric Werner - where the couple lived - said they had not received reports of any threats made against the 50-year-old.

Parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc, said: “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.”

"This does not appear to be a random act of violence," added Mayor Eric Adams, after Gov. Kathy Hochul said the shooting was 'horrific'

"Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Thompson and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice," Hochul said in a statement.