Following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan, the NYPD has launched a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the perpetrator and determine the motive, according to former law enforcement officials who spoke with Fox News Digital.

Surveillance footage captured the ambush, showing a masked gunman dressed entirely in black using a silenced pistol to shoot Thompson three times outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel on Wednesday morning.

Investigators are analyzing various pieces of evidence, including a discarded phone at the scene with fingerprints and potential data, a water bottle purchased with cash at a nearby Starbucks, shell casings marked with the words "deny," "depose," and "defend," and images of a person of interest from a hostel where the suspect reportedly used a fake ID and paid cash for a room the night before the murder.

Law enforcement experts expressed confidence in the NYPD's ability to solve the case, citing their skilled investigators, advanced technology, and extensive resources. They described a multi-pronged approach involving simultaneous efforts to locate the individual, analyze evidence, and gather intelligence.

The investigation includes reviewing surveillance footage to track the suspect's movements before and after the shooting, potentially using facial recognition software to identify the individual. Investigators are also conducting a "victimology" assessment, interviewing Thompson's family, friends, and colleagues in Minnesota to understand his relationships and any potential threats he may have received. Thompson's estranged wife had previously reported that he had been the target of death threats.

Forensic evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, is being analyzed and compared to national databases. If necessary, genealogical DNA profiling could be used to identify potential relatives of the suspect. The NYPD is also seeking public assistance and offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.