PSNI detectives are trying to determine whether loyalist Mark Haddock, shot several times close to an Orange hall on the Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, in north Belfast on Tuesday, was lured to the area by people he believed he could trust.
The chief investigating officer, Det Insp Gareth Nicholl, said yesterday that Haddock was shot six times in the attack.
Haddock is currently in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, where his condition has marginally improved from "critical" on Tuesday night to "seriously injured" yesterday.
Haddock, an alleged former UVF commander in north Belfast and suspected ex-RUC Special Branch informer, is on trial for the attempted murder in December 2002 of doorman Trevor Gowdy. Judgment is reserved in the case.
He also forms part of an investigation by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan into the police handling of an inquiry into the murder of Raymond McCord jnr by the UVF. This inquiry also covers claims of collusion between the former RUC Special Branch and loyalist paramilitaries.
Det Insp Nicholl said Haddock was shot beside his car close to Mossley Orange hall. He said Haddock was "approached by other persons and shot a number of times" shortly before 4pm.
The shooting comes at a sensitive time for Ulster Unionist Party leader Sir Reg Empey, who has formed an Assembly alliance with David Ervine, leader of the Progressive Unionist Party which is linked to the UVF.
Members of the UVF are the chief suspects in the Haddock shooting.