Prosecutors in New York City are working to bring murder charges against Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Despite the allegations, Mangione is receiving widespread financial support through online defense funds, raising over $100,000 on GiveSendGo. The crowdfunding efforts have drawn concerns from law enforcement, who worry Mangione is being glorified as a martyr.
The defense fund, established by an anonymous group called “The December 4th Legal Committee,” claims, “We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation.” Many donors expressed support for Mangione, with one writing, “Thank you for sparking the awareness and thought across this sleeping nation.”
GiveSendGo defended hosting the campaign, stating, “Our platform does not adjudicate legal matters or the validity of causes. … We allow campaigns for legal defense funds, as we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to access due process.” Meanwhile, GoFundMe and other platforms removed similar campaigns, citing their prohibition against fundraisers for legal defenses involving violent crimes.
Merchandise supporting Mangione, such as “Free Luigi” T-shirts, has been removed from platforms like Amazon and Etsy. Law enforcement officials expressed alarm over the public’s reaction. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called the support “abhorrent,” warning, “We will be vigilant and we will hold people accountable.”
Prosecutors have begun presenting evidence to a grand jury to secure Mangione’s indictment. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the three shell casings at the crime scene matched the gun found in Mangione’s possession during his arrest. Mangione’s fingerprints were also recovered from items near the scene.
Mangione’s attorney, Thomas Dickey, emphasized his client’s presumption of innocence, stating, “If you’re an American and you believe in the American criminal justice system, you have to presume him to be innocent.” While acknowledging Mangione’s financial support, Dickey expressed discomfort accepting donations, saying, “It just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Law enforcement is also monitoring broader implications of the case, noting an alarming trend of public rhetoric. A bulletin from the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center reported calls on social media to target CEOs, with banners like “Deny, Defend, Depose” appearing in public spaces. Officials warn that such acts risk inciting further violence, underscoring the seriousness of the Thompson murder case.
