Luigi Mangione, arrested in connection with the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has spoken out about the support he has been receiving during this time.
Brian Thompson was fatally shot on December 4 after leaving a hotel in New York, with surveillance footage capturing the tragic event.
Mangione was identified by a McDonald’s employee in Pennsylvania, leading to his arrest a few days after the police sought public assistance in finding the shooter.
He was subsequently extradited to New York City, where the 26-year-old pleaded not guilty to the CEO’s murder in late December.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has charged him with several offenses, including first and second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and murder as an act of terrorism.
Despite these serious charges, Mangione has garnered support from people around the globe, with some even becoming infatuated with him.
Mangione’s legal team has launched a new website offering answers to common questions and includes a personal message from Mangione to his supporters.
In his statement, he expressed: “I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support.
“Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe. While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive.
“Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.”
Following Mangione’s arrest, numerous fundraisers have emerged, though many have been removed by GoFundMe due to their terms and conditions, which prohibit fundraising for the legal defense of violent crimes, including murder and assault.
In response, new fundraisers have been initiated on the Christian platform GiveSendGo, with communications director Alex Shipley providing justification for this action.
He previously stated: “We believe every person is entitled to due process in a court of law — not in the court of public opinion.
“To be absolutely clear, we do not support or condone vigilante justice. However, people have a constitutional right to a strong legal defense, and access to that defense should not be reserved only for the wealthy or those who fit a particular narrative.”