Luigi Mangione makes first statement on CEO killing case, launches new website
Luigi Mangione addressed the public for the first time amid his legal battle in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The statement was published on his new website that was launched by his legal team to provide answers to frequently asked questions amid "extraordinary volume of inquiries and outpouring of support" from Mangione's supporters.
"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 [Metropolitan Detention Center] from across the country, and around the globe," Mangione said.
"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," he continued.
Mangione's website contains a section that answers some of the most common inquiries received by law firm Agnifilo Intrater about the case to date.
It detailed that he is currently being held in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, although he is being prosecuted by both New York State and the federal government.
Mangione is allowed to write and receive letters while in custody, but "letters could take longer than usual to be screened and delivered due to the volume of mail."
He can also receive items such as books, photos, and news articles.
As to where fans can contribute to Mangione's legal defense, the website stated, "People who would like to contribute are advised to do so via the following legal defense fund posted on GiveSendGo: 'Legal Fund: Luigi Mangione.'"
The suspected gunman recently accepted a total of $297,000 (PhP17.2 million) from his fans for his legal defense.
His lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said that Mangione "very much appreciates the outpouring of support" from more than 10,000 individual donors.
The organization has raised $312,000 (over PhP18 million) out of its $500,000 (PhP29 million) goal as of writing.
They added that they will continue raising funds for Mangione’s legal defense for the rest of the trial.
"We encourage his millions of supporters to find creative and public ways to advocate for him during his time behind bars in whatever ways seem right," the organization wrote.
Mangione was accused of murdering Thompson on Dec. 4 outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan, New York City. He was arrested five days after a fellow customer spotted him eating at a McDonald's restaurant in Altoona, about 370 kilometers west of New York City.
On Dec. 23, he pleaded "not guilty" to the 11-count indictment charging him with murder as an act of terrorism and weapons offenses.
If convicted, he will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
