Two months after the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with the crime, has finally spoken out.
His brazen assassination outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4 sent shockwaves across the country.
For the first time since the murder, Mangione has shared a statement, though it comes amid his polarizing public image.
Up until now, Mangione had remained mostly silent about the case, only pleading not guilty in court.
That all changed when his defense team launched a website to help manage the overwhelming public interest in the case and to share information about his legal battles.
A Controversial Figure: Supporters and Critics Alike
Mangione’s reaction to his newfound notoriety has been one of gratitude towards those who have supported him.
On the website, Mangione thanked his fans, saying, “I am overwhelmed by—and grateful for—everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support.”
He went on to say that this support has come from all corners of the country, transcending political, racial, and social divides.
“Mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe,” he added.
Though he can’t respond to all the letters, he reassured his supporters that he reads every one.
Since his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, Mangione has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His defense team—led by Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo, and Jacob Kaplan—also made a statement on the website, addressing the flood of inquiries from the public.
Legal Defense and Ongoing Prosecutions
According to Mangione’s defense lawyers, the website was set up to clarify details about the case and answer frequently asked questions.
They also emphasized their commitment to fighting the charges against Mangione, which include state murder and terrorism charges, as well as federal second-degree murder and weapons charges.
Mangione is set to appear in court on February 21 in Manhattan to face the state charges.
His federal case is still ongoing, and he could face execution if convicted.
His defense team has stated that they are working to “dispelling misinformation” and provide accurate updates on his multiple prosecutions.
A Divisive Hero for Some, a Murderer to Others
Despite being charged with murder, Mangione has become a divisive figure.
While many condemn his violent actions, a significant portion of the public sees him as a hero.
His supporters, mostly from communities frustrated with the American healthcare system, view his actions as a direct strike against UnitedHealthcare, one of the country’s largest health insurers, which has been accused of denying claims and bankrupting families with medical debt.
In fact, over $400,000 has been raised by Mangione’s supporters to fund his ongoing legal battle.
The supporters, who call themselves the “Legal Committee,” believe Mangione’s alleged actions are justified by the suffering caused by the health insurance industry.
They argue that companies like UnitedHealthcare ruin lives by denying people access to basic healthcare.
“Luigi’s alleged actions are understood and supported by tens of millions of hard-working Americans,” said the Legal Committee in a statement released in December.
The “Good-Looking” Killer: A Controversial Figure
Mangione’s physical appearance has also contributed to his following.
Some of his fans, particularly on social media, have described him as “good-looking” and expressed their desire to see him released from jail.
Some even argue that the charges should be dropped entirely.
However, Mangione’s legal situation remains dire.
The murder charges are serious, and if he is convicted in the federal case, he could face execution.
A Ghost Gun and the Cold-Blooded Murder of Brian Thompson
When Mangione was arrested, he was found carrying a “ghost gun,” a firearm made using a 3D printer.
Prosecutors have alleged that the gun used in the murder was the same one seen in CCTV footage showing a hooded figure shooting Brian Thompson in the leg and back from behind outside the Hilton Midtown.
The chilling footage and the violent nature of the crime have sparked heated debates about the justice system, the healthcare industry, and the rise of vigilante actions in response to perceived societal injustices.
Mangione’s case is far from over, and it’s likely that his story will continue to make headlines as his trial unfolds.
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