Support for Luigi Mangione, described by supporters as a "political prisoner," has surged on the Christian-based platform GiveSendGo, which has raised nearly $50,000 for his legal defense.
The fundraising page was still active as of Thursday at 2 p.m. CST.
"This is a preemptive legal fundraiser," the page states, "for the suspect allegedly involved in the shooting of the United Healthcare CEO. We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right of fair legal representation."
Mangione faces murder charges related to the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Thompson, a father of two, was walking to a meeting with investors when he was shot in Manhattan. Some people have reacted to the killing by venting their frustrations regarding the healthcare system.
The fundraiser's goal is $200,000. Organizers have also sent Mangione a letter which can be found on the site. The letter backhandedly refers to Mangione as a "political prisoner" and includes several comments from anonymous donors:
- "I was 6 when I was diagnosed with cancer. I watched as my parents suffered under medical bills not covered by insurance. Once we got back from treatment to see people in our yard bidding on our house. A neighbor had to liquidate their 401(k) to ensure we had a place to sleep. It took mom and dad 20 years of tireless work to get out from under the debt, but I am here now to say you are a hero."
- "As a physician who witnesses every day just how corrupt, greedy, and unethical the health care system is and how it is set up to crush the common person, I applaud Luigi for his courage, heart, and passion. Luigi, you are fighting the fight that so many of us in medicine have been neutered or brainwashed to avoid. Thank you for your service and for helping America wake up! You are not alone!"
- "I hope the little I can give will make a difference for you. I believe your sacrifice has worked and the people are opening their eyes."
- "Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets charged with that crime. 'bout time we point out this hypocrisy."
Other platforms have struggled with fundraisers for Luigi Mangione, notably GoFundMe. GoFundMe has repeatedly taken down pages dedicated to Mangione's defense.
