Luigi Mangione, 26, accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has finally spoken out. The shocking murder outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4 stunned the nation. Until now, Mangione remained silent, aside from pleading not guilty.
Message from behind bars
Details about his prison life have leaked, but now Mangione himself has spoken. His legal team launched a website, sharing his thoughts and case details. In a chilling message, he thanked his supporters.
‘I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me,‘ he said. ‘Support has poured in from all backgrounds and from around the world.‘
Legal team defends Mangione
Mangione’s attorneys, from Agnifilo Intrater, explained the purpose of the site.
‘Due to the extraordinary volume of inquiries and support, we created this website to provide accurate information and dispel misinformation,‘ they wrote. ‘This case involves unprecedented prosecutions.’
Mangione remains in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after his dramatic arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.
Divided public opinion
The accused murderer faces multiple charges, including state murder and terrorism counts, plus federal second-degree murder and weapons charges. His next court appearance is February 21 in Manhattan.
Despite his alleged crimes, Mangione has gained a cult-like following. Some see him as a vigilante taking on America’s ruthless private healthcare system. Many hail him as a hero for targeting UnitedHealthcare, notorious for denying claims.
Bizarre clues at crime scene
Authorities found bullet casings engraved with ‘delay,’ ‘deny,’ and ‘depose’—a chilling reference to insurance industry tactics. The cryptic evidence fueled the public debate.
Mangione’s supporters have raised more than $400,000 for his legal battle. The December 4 Legal Committee, backing the fundraiser, justified the donations.
‘Private health insurance has destroyed lives by denying basic care and drowning families in medical debt,‘ the group stated. ‘Luigi’s alleged actions resonate with millions of Americans.’
His good looks have also drawn attention, with fans demanding his release. But his legal troubles are severe—if convicted in federal court, he could face execution.
The arrest and the evidence
Mangione was caught carrying a ‘ghost gun,’ believed to be 3D-printed. Prosecutors claim the weapon matched the one in CCTV footage, showing a hooded figure ambushing Thompson.
He also carried a notebook filled with rage against health insurance executives, prosecutors revealed.
Prosecutors call it terrorism
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg used terrorism laws against Mangione, citing the murder’s calculated nature. ‘This was a frightening, well-planned attack meant to cause shock and intimidation,’ he declared.
Mangione now sits in federal jail, alongside infamous figures like Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried. The world watches as his high-stakes trial looms.
