Luigi Mangione, accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on December 4, 2024, has amassed nearly $300,000 in donations for his legal defense, sparking controversy and outrage. Mangione faces charges including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, stalking, and other state and federal charges in both New York and Pennsylvania. His attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, confirmed that Mangione will use the funds to fight the charges against him.
The December 4 Legal Committee, responsible for the fundraising effort, reported over $290,000 collected from more than 10,000 donors. This has drawn sharp criticism, with former D.C. homicide detective and Fox News contributor Ted Williams questioning the motives of the donors and calling the act "sick." He expressed disbelief that anyone would contribute to the defense of someone accused of such a heinous crime, emphasizing the many other worthy causes in need of support.
Luigi Mangione departs the courtroom following his arraignment in New York City Criminal Court on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024. (Businesswire | NYPD Crimestoppers)
Williams condemned the fundraising as "appalling," asserting that it amplifies the actions of the accused murderer. He questioned the public's willingness to support someone accused of such a brutal crime, seemingly motivated by Thompson's position as a healthcare executive. The December 4 Legal Committee, a self-described group of 15 volunteers, claims to have been formed independently by Mangione's supporters. Spokespeople for the committee also host a podcast on communism and gossip.
Luigi Mangione is escorted from an NYPD helicopter in New York City, NY, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)
Committee spokesperson Sam Beard expressed satisfaction with Mangione's acceptance of the funds, claiming widespread support for Mangione's alleged actions due to public resentment towards the health insurance industry. Mangione is accused of shooting Thompson outside the Manhattan hotel hosting UnitedHealthcare's annual shareholder meeting. Authorities believe the act was intended as a message to the healthcare industry.
Luigi Mangione is escorted from an NYPD helicopter in New York City, NY, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. He is charged in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)
A manifesto was reportedly found on Mangione upon his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, days after the alleged murder. The FBI has condemned the alleged act as a premeditated execution intended to provoke national debate. Mangione, a 26-year-old originally from Maryland, has lived in California and Hawaii. He is a graduate of the Gilman School and holds bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania.
