Luigi Mangione's official defense fund has raised over $722,000, and one recent donor set a new record with a five-figure contribution.
The record-breaking donation that arrived this week was for $36,500. The anonymous mystery donor said on the GiveSendGo page that they were inspired by the outpouring of support Mangione has received.
"What intrigues me about this case is how unified folks' responses are regardless of strata. In Corporate America, for instance, there has been widespread doubt of potential prosecutorial mishandling and overcharging," the donor wrote. "I've also been surprised at the almost ubiquitous nature of support towards the suspect that I would expect to be quite bifurcated in this type of litigation. Quite exceptional."
Mangione, 26, is accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Dec. 4, 2024. Thompson was walking to an investors' meeting in Manhattan when he was shot and killed.
Some have used the killing of Thompson and the subsequent arrest of Mangione as an opportunity to vent frustrations about the health insurance industry.
An Emerson College poll found that only 68% of those surveyed found the killing "unacceptable," The Hill reported. The poll also found more support for the killing among young people, with 24 percent of those aged 18-29 finding the murder "somewhat acceptable" and 17 percent saying it was "completely acceptable."
The GiveGoSend page specifically addresses anger directed at the industry.
"The ongoing and dedicated support is a testament to everyone's righteous rage over the abuses we all suffer at the hands of healthcare insurance executives and corrupt police and courts, and a symbol of our strength when we join together," the page states.
Mangione faces federal charges, New York state charges, and charges in Pennsylvania. If convicted of the most serious charges against him, he faces the death penalty.
