Chilling three-word message found engraved on BULLETS used in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

The NYPD is now investigating the words and has recovered three live 9mm rounds and three discharged casings.

Several of the pieces of evidence each contained one word suggesting the gunman may have been trying to leave a message, sources claimed.

Thompson was ruthlessly shot multiple times in the back and leg just after 6:45am as he walked into the New York Hilton Midtown.

Eerie surveillance video obtained by The U.S. Sun shows the moment the masked and hooded shooter allegedly crept up behind the CEO and unloaded a round of fatal shots.

The clip shows the suspect approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire, barely pausing to clear a brief gun jam.

Thompson did not have security with him at the time despite UnitedHealth Group having an in-house security team.

A terrified witness who was inches away from the shooting sprinted for her life as the suspect eerily walked away into an alley.

After the heartless killing, the suspect got on a nearby e-bike and jetted toward Central Park.

He was last seen on Central Park Drive, which is right outside the park grounds.

The man was spotted on CCTV ordering at Starbucks on West 56th and 6th Avenue just two blocks from the murder scene before the shooting.

Sources claimed the suspect bought coffee, a water bottle and two PowrerBars before the shooting.

He tossed the bottle and coffee cup in a trash can - which cops dug out of the garbage and now have as evidence.

Investigators also found a phone in an alley near the scene which believe belongs to the gunman.

They have obtained a search warrant to go through the contents of the phone.

Cops have used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killer's whereabouts remain unknown.

Police offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was no random act of violence.

Thompson had been in New York City since Monday, and detectives are investigating how the shooter was able to track his movements.

However, it was public knowledge that he would host the event, and he was expected to announce that the company was looking forward to a profitable 2025.

Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which is a division of UnitedHealth Group. He was appointed to this position in April 2021.

Before becoming CEO, Thompson held various leadership roles within UnitedHealth Group, including positions in finance and operations.

It has emerged that Thompson was one of the senior executives at the company investigated by the Department of Justice.

CEO REMEMBERED

He's survived by his wife and their two children, and family members remember him as a hard working husband and dedicated father.

Elene Reveiz, Thompson's sister-in-law, told the New York Times, "He was a good person, and I am so sad."

UnitedHealth Group said it was "deeply saddened" by the news and described Thompson as a "dear friend."

"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," the company said in a statement.

"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."