The killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson may have used a modern version of a rare World War II spy gun, the New York Post reported citing sources. What the investigators earlier thought was a jam in the gun which the killer fixed in the surveillance footage might just be a feature of the gun. It also had a silencer which is very hard to come by, experts said. The gun matches a B&T VP9, an update of the Welrod pistol — a suppressed firearm developed in the Second World War, the report said.
A Connecticut-based gunmaker made a recent purchase of a similar gun but since the gun used in Brian Thompson’s killing is yet to be recovered, it is still a speculation at this point. The gun is described on B&T’s website as an “updated, integrally suppressed pistol features a new grip and updated magazines, yet maintains its non-descript appearance, whisper-quiet sound signature and unique rotating bolt operation.”
Former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro said the gun looks like a type that has to be racked after each shot in order to shoot again. Mauro said he probably was not a hitman because hitmen mostly exist in films, and also because some of his shots missed. He added that shooting in the calf is also not a sign of professionalism.
Where was Thompson’s security?
Thompson was fired in front of the Hilton hotel in front of other passers-by. He was hit in the back and the right calf and the killer made his last shot from a close range before fleeing into an alleyway and disappearing into Central Park hopping on an e-bike. Thompson reached the hotel early to prepare for an investors’ conference. The killer knew his schedule and appeared there 10 minutes before him. The shooter also knew exactly the gate through which Thompson would enter the hotel as he was waiting near that gate. The NYPD said it was a premeditated murder and not a random act of violence but the company has not issued any statement about Thompson’s personal security.
