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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

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AP News Digest 6 p.m.
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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

2024-12-05 06:59 Last Updated At:07:01

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.

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A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

NEW/DEVELOPING

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CFP PLAYOFF-RANKINGS; FEDERAL-RESERVE-POWELL; UNITED-STATES-CHINA-HACK; TRUMP-STAFF-PICKS; ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-AMNESTY; SUPREME-COURT-TRANSGENDER-HEALTH-TAKEAWAYS; MEDIA-HEGSETH’S-MOTHER; CONGRESS-JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS; BIDEN-ANGOLA-TAKEAWAYS; SIGNING DAY-RDP; CALIFORNIA-SCHOOL SHOOTING.

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ONLY ON AP

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ELECTION 2024-AP VOTECAST-PET OWNERS — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. Donald Trump won slightly more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, with a big assist from dog owners, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support him over Kamala Harris. Cat owners were split between the two candidates. By Linley Sanders, Humera Lodhi and Annie Ng. SENT: 780 words, photos, video, audio.

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TOP STORIES

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UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was shot and killed in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police say, setting off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. By Jake Offenhartz and Karen Matthews. SENT: 830 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED-PROFILE -- UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile before he was shot to death; UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-WHAT-TO-KNOW — What to know about the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Find more on the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting here.

MIDEAST-WARS — Israeli airstrikes tore through a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, sparking fires and killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital, in the latest assault on a sprawling tent city that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. By By Mohammad Jahjouh and Wafaa Shurafa. SENT: 920 words, photos. WITH: ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-AMNESTY — Human rights organization Amnesty International will release a report about the war in Gaza. UPCOMING: 1,230 words, photos by 7 p.m.

SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER HEALTH — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. By Mark Sherman. SENT: 1,290 words, photos, audio. WITH: SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER HEALTH-THE LATEST; SUPREME-COURT-TRANSGENDER-HEALTH-TAKEAWAYS (both sent).

SOUTH-KOREA-YOON’S-FATE — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals took steps to impeach him. By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung. SENT: 960 words, photos. WITH: SOUTH-KOREA-MARTIAL-LAW — South Korea’s opposition parties move to impeach president over sudden declaration of martial law; SOUTH-KOREA-MARTIAL-LAW-THE-CONTEXT — Shock martial law edict in South Korea follows chaotic recent history: A look at the crucial context.

TRUMP-HEGSETH — A defiant Pete Hegseth has fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump’s defense secretary as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host’s personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. By Thomas Beaumont, Adriana Gomez Licon, Zeke Miller and Tara Copp. SENT: 940 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: TRUMP-HEGSETH-RELIGION — U.S. military takes pride in religious diversity. Would things change if Pete Hegseth takes charge? MEDIA-HEGSETH’S-MOTHER — Pete Hegseth’s mother says The New York Times made “threats” by asking her to comment on a story (both sent).

TRUMP-TRANSITION — President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro, a former adviser who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, back to the White House for his second administration. Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. By Chris Megerian. SENT: 780 words, photos. WITH: TRUMP-TRANSITION-SEC — Trump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair; TRUMP-TRANSITION-NASA — Billionaire who performed the first private spacewalk is Trump’s pick to lead NASA; TRUMP-ARMY-SECRETARY — Trump selects a former soldier and Iraq War veteran to serve as Army secretary; TRUMP-TRANSITION-HOSTAGE-NEGOTIATOR — A health care executive is Trump’s pick to serve as his administration’s lead hostage negotiator; TRUMP-STAFF-PICKS (all sent).

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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SENEGAL-BIENNALE — For the artistic and cultural elites of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. By Monika Pronczuk. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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MORE NEWS

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UNITED STATES-CHINA-HACK — A top White House official said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. SENT: 600 words, photo, audio.

MOST MISPRONOUNCED WORDS — Vice President Kamala Harris and breakout pop star Chappell Roan were among the year’s most talked-about people. Their names were also among the most mispronounced. SENT: 610 words, photos, video, audio.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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BIDEN-ANGOLA — President Joe Biden pledged $600 million more for a cross-Africa rail project, telling regional leaders that “Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future.” SENT: 720 words, photos, audio. With BIDEN-ANGOLA-TAKEAWAYS — Highlights of Biden’s trip (sent).

GEORGIA-ELECTION-INDICTMENT — President-elect Donald Trump is trying to get the Georgia election interference case against him dismissed, asserting that the state’s courts will not have jurisdiction over him once he returns to the White House next month. SENT: 800 words, photos.

CONGRESS-JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS — Rep. Jerry Nadler has announced that he will be stepping down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee next year, avoiding an intra-party fight over a prominent position as the party prepares to confront a second Trump presidency. SENT: 290 words, photo.

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YEAR END STORIES

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YE-TOP FILMS — Break out your “Dune” popcorn bucket: It’s time for the best movies of the year. The AP's lists are topped by the sublime Indian drama “All We Imagine As Light” and the WWII drama “Blitz.” By Film Writers Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr. SENT: 1,570 words, photos.

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NATIONAL

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MISSING WOMAN-SINKHOLE SEARCH — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania is moving into a recovery effort after two days of searching produced no signs of life, authorities said. SENT: 800 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: SINKHOLES-WHAT-TO-KNOW — What to know about sinkholes. (sent).

SUBWAY-CHOKEHOLD-DEATH — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny as his lawyers complained that an aggressive protester was harassing the Marine veteran outside the New York City courthouse. SENT: 660 words, photos, video.

CALIFORNIA-SCHOOL SHOOTING — A shooting at a Northern California elementary school has left the suspect dead, sheriff’s officials say. SENT: 130 words.

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INTERNATIONAL

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FRANCE-GOVERNMENT — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forced Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. SENT: 660 words, photos.

SYRIA-OPPOSITION — The leader of Syria’s most powerful insurgent group toured the seized city of Aleppo in a surprise visit, for the first time since the group captured large parts of the city last weekend, as fierce fighting intensified in the government-led counter-offensive in northern Hama. SENT: 930 words, photos, video, audio.

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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PRENATAL SCREENING-CANCER — Many moms-to-be opt for blood tests during pregnancy to check for fetal disorders such as Down syndrome. In rare instances, these tests can reveal something unexpected — hints of a hidden cancer in the woman. By Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson. SENT: 520 words, photos.

BIRD FLU-RAW MILK — A California farm has expanded a recall of raw milk sold in stores and has halted production. By Health Writer Jonel Aleccia. SENT: 530 words, photo.

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WELLNESS

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HOLIDAY-SECRET SANTA-STRESS-BE WELL — Secret Santa gift exchanges among friends, family or co-workers can be a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. Or they can be just another seasonal stressor. SENT: 680 words, photos.

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BUSINESS

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FEDERAL RESERVE-POWELL — Chair Jerome Powell says that the Federal Reserve’s ability to set interest rates free of political interference is necessary for it to make decisions to serve “all Americans” rather than a political party or political outcome. By Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 470 words, photos, audio.

AMAZON-LAWSUIT — The District of Columbia has sued Amazon, alleging the company secretly stopped providing its fastest delivery service to residents of two predominantly Black neighborhoods while still charging millions of dollars for a membership that promises the benefit. SENT: 800 words, photo.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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MUSIC-SPOTIFY-WRAPPED — ’Tis the season to unpack Spotify Wrapped. And it should come as no surprise that in 2024, for a second year in a row, Taylor Swift has been named its most-played artist, ranking in more than 26.6 billion streams. By Music Writer Maria Sherman. SENT: 580 words, photos. With SPOTIFY-WRAPPED-2024-EXPLAINER (sent)

TAYLOR SWIFT-ERAS TOUR ENDS — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end soon after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. SENT: 1,060 words, photos.

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SPORTS

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SIGNING DAY-RDP — Georgia has the edge at putting together the nation’s top football recruiting class for a second straight year as high school seniors get a chance to finalize their college selections. By Sports Writer Steve Megargee. SENT: 960 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636 Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

Next Article

Key things to know about the fatal attack on the UnitedHealthcare CEO in NYC

2024-12-05 06:55 Last Updated At:07:00

The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation's largest insurers, was killed Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police described as a targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference.

The shooter fled on foot into an alleyway and was last seen on an e-bike heading into Central Park. New York City police said the attack on Brian Thompson was planned, but the motive was unclear.

Here's what to know:

Police said Thompson was heading to the company's annual investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown around 6:45 a.m. when a person walked up behind him and shot him multiple times.

Thompson was alone at the time and did not have a security detail, police said.

Officers found Thompson on the ground outside the hotel with gunshot wounds to his back and right calf, according to Joseph Kenny, the police department’s chief of detectives. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital at 7:12 a.m.

Kenny said the shooter appeared to be a man who was wearing a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a “very distinctive” gray backpack.

He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before Thompson got there, waiting near the building and ignoring others before he approached Thompson from behind.

After the assailant began to fire at Thompson, the gun malfunctioned, but he was able to quickly fix the issue and continue firing, Kenny said.

“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," Kenny said.

The shooter ran into an alleyway near the hotel and later got on the e-bike that he took into Central Park.

Kenny said police found a cellphone in the alleyway, but it was unclear if it belonged to the shooter.

Thompson was the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance wing of parent company UnitedHealth Group Inc.

He had worked at the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company for two decades and led its insurance division since 2021. He was one of the company's highest-paid executives, with a $10.2 million annual compensation package.

Thompson kept a low profile, with UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s CEO Andrew Witty taking on a more public-facing role that included testifying before Congress.

Thompson started his career as a certified public accountant and graduated from the University of Iowa. He lived in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove and was the father of two high school students.

His wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that her husband said some people had been threatening him. She did not have details, but suggested they may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, accompanied by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, speaks during a news conference at police headquarters, Wednesday Dec. 4, 2024, concerning the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York hotel. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, accompanied by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, speaks during a news conference at police headquarters, Wednesday Dec. 4, 2024, concerning the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York hotel. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

This combination of images provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This combination of images provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)

This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)

Members of the New York police crime scene unit pick up cups marking the spots where bullets lie as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Members of the New York police crime scene unit pick up cups marking the spots where bullets lie as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

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