Donations to support the legal defense of Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, have surpassed $55,000 through a campaign on the crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo. Created by a group identifying as “The December 4th Legal Committee”—a reference to the date of Thompson’s killing—the fundraiser aims to collect $200,000. As of Thursday, it had raised over $56,000.
Online Support and Controversy
The campaign has sparked significant online attention, fueled by outrage over the U.S. healthcare system and admiration for Mangione’s appearance. Social media users have praised Mangione as a symbol of resistance against corporate greed in healthcare. One anonymous donor commented, “Luigi’s actions represent a fierce rejection of a system that profits massively yet doesn’t care about the American people.” Others labeled him a “folk hero,” with some dubbing him “the hot assassin” after police circulated a photo of him smiling with his mask lowered, alongside shirtless images of him hiking in Hawaii.
Personal Struggles and Public Sympathy
Some donors have identified with Mangione’s reported back condition, spondylolisthesis, citing their own frustrations with the healthcare system. One contributor wrote, “As a fellow sufferer of Spondylolisthesis who also has United Healthcare insurance, I empathize with what you’ve gone through… Thank you for your courage and sacrifice, which has brought these atrocities to light.”
Mangione underwent back surgery in early 2023 after exacerbating his condition while surfing in Hawaii. Although initially pleased with the outcome, he later expressed frustration with healthcare providers, calling many doctors “basically worthless” in a now-deleted social media post.
Questions About Motive
Despite speculation linking Mangione’s actions to grievances with UnitedHealthcare, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny clarified Thursday that there is no evidence Mangione was ever insured by the company. However, Kenny suggested that Mangione may have targeted UnitedHealthcare due to its status as the largest healthcare organization in the U.S.
Legal Representation and Crowdfunding
Mangione’s lawyer, Thomas Dickey, has received unsolicited offers to cover his fees but expressed reluctance to accept outside help. “To be honest with you, I probably wouldn’t,” Dickey told CNN. Meanwhile, it remains unclear if Mangione’s wealthy Maryland family will contribute to his legal expenses.
The crowdfunding organizers have pledged to redirect unused funds to other legal cases if Mangione declines the support, stating, “All proceeds will be sent directly to Luigi or… donated to legal funds for other U.S. political prisoners.”
