New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a news conference: “Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.”
The suspect, who was wearing a white face mask and cream jacket, appeared to be waiting for Thompson for five minutes outside the hotel, police said.
When Thompson arrived at the Hilton the shooter stepped on to the pavement from behind a car and shot him from behind.
The victim had been staying at another hotel, the Marriott, down the road, according to police sources.
The suspect fled the scene first on foot before grabbing an e-bike and heading towards Central Park, where he was last seen, Commissioner Tisch said.
Investigators said they did not know the suspect’s motive. No belongings were taken from Thompson, they added.
The victim’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said in a phone call with NBC News that her husband had been receiving threats.
“There had been some threats,” she said. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of [medical] coverage? I don’t know details.
“I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
Mrs Thompson added: “I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnv3dnm64vlo,
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