The former NYPD inspector expressed skepticism about the professionalism of the UnitedHealthcare CEO gunman, focusing on the weapon of choice.

Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector and Planet Chronicle Contributor, stated that the weapon used by the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan Hilton hotel on Wednesday could benefit the police, and he addressed speculations about the suspect's possible role as a hitman.

Mauro stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the speculation about a hit man being involved is unfounded, as professional hitmen primarily exist in movies and not in reality. Mauro emphasized that everything at this point is just speculation.

A masked man shot and killed Thompson outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning, as seen in a video obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Mauro expressed skepticism about the idea that the shooter was a professional, stating that "What we know so far is that he was very calm and clearly knew the route...it doesn't mean it wasn't a murder for hire. Those things do happen."

The type of gun used in the case makes it even more intriguing, Mauro stated.

Mauro described the gun as looking like it had either a long barrel or a silencer. Silencers are illegal and hard to obtain, so many of them are homemade. However, it could simply be a long barrel gun.

"After each shot, the gun seems to require reloading. Strange."

He stated that such guns are designed to muffle their sound, but there are also additional features that can be added to prevent the slide of a semiautomatic gun from causing damage.

After shooting, you need to rack the slide of the gun to fire again, as demonstrated in the video, which suggests that modifications were made to the gun, according to Mauro.

"Someone with knowledge of guns, especially this specific gun, appears to possess a rare type. This information can be pursued by the police."

According to multiple law enforcement contacts, the murder weapon appeared to be a "Welrod," a suppressed pistol used in WW2.

According to a source who spoke to Planet Chronicle, this is the weapon that was used on the United CEO. It's extremely quiet and requires manual cycling after each round is fired. This makes it the top choice for up-close, quiet work among professionals.

Dr. Michael Baden, a forensic pathologist, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the initial step in forensic pathology is determining whether the bullets penetrated the body.

Baden stated that if the bullets are present, it is crucial to search for them at the scene and not rely on an autopsy to locate them.

Baden emphasized the importance of this step for investigators to take because it would allow them to clean the streets, which could hinder their ability to trace the trajectory of the bullets.

Thompson likely died rapidly due to lung injuries, but investigators will provide more information in the next 24-48 hours.

"Baden stated that they will determine the number of shots fired, whether any bullets hit their target, and recover the remaining bullets for further investigation. However, the unfired bullets are not significant in determining if the gun used was the one that fired the shots, as long as the gun is found."

The annual investors meeting of UnitedHealthcare was being held at the Hilton Hotel, and it was reported that Thompson had been present in the city since Monday and was lodging at a hotel located nearby.

Since Thompson had been present since Monday, Mauro believes that the shooter would have had other chances to target him, but the convention serves as the starting point.

Up to $10,000 is being offered by New York City Crimestoppers for information resulting in an arrest and indictment.

Anyone with information about a crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA. Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.com.

This report was contributed to by Planet Chronicle' Michael Ruiz, Danielle Wallace, Greg Wehner, and Bill Melugin.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Planet Chronicle Digital and Fox Business. If you have story tips or ideas, you can send them to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).