Last year, Luigi Mangione was taken into custody as the prime suspect in the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Now, he has spoken out about the support he has received since his arrest.
Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, just moments after stepping out of a New York hotel. Surveillance footage captured the attack as it unfolded.
Days later, after authorities urged the public to help identify the suspect, Mangione was spotted by a McDonald’s employee in Pennsylvania, leading to his arrest.
He was subsequently extradited to New York City, where the 26-year-old was formally charged with Thompson’s murder. In late December, he appeared in court and entered a plea of not guilty.
He is currently facing a series of charges from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, including first and second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and committing murder as an act of terrorism.
Despite the severity of these accusations, Mangione continues to receive widespread support from people around the world, with some individuals even becoming fixated on the alleged assassin.
His legal team has launched a new website that not only addresses frequently asked questions but also features a personal message from Mangione to his supporters.
In a statement, he directly acknowledged them, saying: “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 began appearing online, prompting GoFundMe to remove many of them. The platform later clarified its decision, citing its terms and conditions, which explicitly prohibit fundraising efforts for “the legal defense of financial and violent crimes, including those related to money laundering, murder, robbery, assault, battery, sex crimes or crimes against minors.”
In response, supporters turned to the Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo, where fundraisers were relaunched. The platform’s communications director, Alex Shipley, defended this decision, addressing the controversy head-on.
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.”
