Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, has published his first public statement since his arrest via his legal defense team and a new website, Luigi Mangione Info.
The statement reads, “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.”
The website, established by his New York defense team in a bid to “provide answers to frequently asked questions, accurate information about his cases, and dispel misinformation‚” went live on Friday. The site features case updates, information on his legal team, an FAQ section, a contact form, and a link to a fundraiser for Mangione’s legal fund, which has already raised more than $400,000. His legal team confirmed to Rolling Stone that both the website and Mangione’s statement are legitimate.
Mangione has experienced an outpouring of support since his arrest, becoming something of a folk hero for many Americans frustrated by the inaccessibility and inequity baked into the U.S. healthcare system. A poll published two weeks after Thompson’s murder found that 41 percent of voters under the age of 30 considered the assassination to be acceptable, compared to just 17 percent of overall voters.
Comments made in conjunction with the more than 10,000 donations on Mangione’s fundraiser provide some insight into the minds of his supporters; many condemn the healthcare system, while others voice concerns about the risk of Mangione facing the death penalty. One group, which has created a crypto coin in Mangione’s honor, donated the single largest amount at $6,286, writing, “$LUIGI on Solana is committed to taking action and fixing our healthcare system. We also want to see a fair trial. It takes real courage to stand against corporate greed.”
Mangione faces 11 charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 21.
