The firearm used in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel has sparked speculation and intrigue. Former NYPD Inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro highlighted the atypical nature of the weapon, suggesting it may not be the hallmark of a professional hitman, contrary to some theories.

Mauro expressed skepticism about the “professional killer” narrative, emphasizing that such figures are more prevalent in fiction than reality. While acknowledging the possibility of a contract killing, he pointed to the unusual weapon as a key piece of the puzzle.

Video footage shows Thompson walking down the sidewalk when a masked assailant opens fire. The calmness and apparent familiarity with the route displayed by the shooter have fueled speculation. Mauro noted the weapon appeared to have either a long barrel or a silencer, the latter being highly illegal and difficult to acquire. He also observed the need to rack the slide after each shot, an uncommon characteristic. This suggests potential modifications to the firearm, providing investigators with a valuable lead.

Firearms expert David Katz concurred with the assessment that the shooter was likely not a professional, possibly wielding a rare bolt-action pistol. Katz described the weapon as a modernized version of a World War II pistol, requiring manual slide racking after each shot. He highlighted the suspect’s unfamiliarity with the weapon, evidenced by their handling of it, and emphasized the rarity of the pistol, potentially aiding investigators in tracing its origin.

Law enforcement sources indicated the weapon might be a Welrod, a suppressed bolt-action pistol from World War II, known for its quiet operation and manual cycling. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden stressed the importance of recovering any bullets that exited Thompson’s body, as this information, along with shell casing analysis, is crucial for the investigation.

The timing of the shooting, coinciding with UnitedHealthcare's annual investor meeting at the Hilton Hotel where Thompson was staying, adds another layer to the investigation. While Thompson had been in town since Monday, the convention appears to be a significant factor. A reward of up to $10,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment.