Luigi Mangione launches a new website as he awaits his murder trial
Luigi Mangione launches a new website as he awaits his murder trial
The site for the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO includes an official crowdfunding link for his defense—and a message for supporters.
BY Sarah Bregel
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is in prison awaiting trial. But he still managed to launch a new website, along with his first official statement since his arrest, via his legal team.
The message states that Mangione, who is being held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, has been “overwhelmed by” and “grateful for” the support he’s received in the form of letters from those who have been moved by his story.
Although federal charges against the 26-year-old include stalking and first-degree murder for allegedly gunning down Thompson in front of a New York City hotel, some Americans who are frustrated with the state of the health insurance industry have celebrated him as a folk hero. Not long after a manhunt for the shooter began, there were memes, donations, merchandise, and conversations over the potential for copycats.
“Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe,” Mangione said in the statement. “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.”
Mangione’s legal team also shared a note on the homepage explaining why they felt the need to create the site. “Due to the extraordinary volume of inquiries and outpouring of support, this site was created and is maintained by Luigi Mangione’s New York legal defense team to provide answers to frequently asked questions, accurate information about his cases, and dispel misinformation,” the note reads. “The intent is to share factual information regarding the unprecedented, multiple prosecutions against him.”
On the site’s FAQs page, Mangione’s team asks that supporters limit the number of certain items they send, including books and photos. “Luigi is allowed to receive photos via Shutterfly and FreePrints in accordance with mail procedures while in custody,” the section explains.
“Due to the volume of photos, they could take longer than usual to be screened and shared. Luigi appreciates the photos that are sent and kindly asks that people send no more than five photos at a time. Please note that every photo that is received is screened and reviewed by law enforcement.”
The site includes a link to a GiveSendGo crowdfunding website, which supporters have been donating to in order to help pay Mangione’s legal fees. As of Monday afternoon, the donations topped $475,000.
Last week, Mangione’s lead defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, told ABC News, “Luigi is aware of the fund and very much appreciates the outpouring of support. My client plans on utilizing it to fight all three of the unprecedented cases against him.”
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to numerous state and federal charges, including first-degree murder, terrorism, and criminal possession of a weapon. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 21 in Manhattan.
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