Luigi Mangione Launches Personal Website and Issues First Public Statement

Luigi Mangione, the alleged gunman in the ambush slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has publicly expressed his gratitude to the people who have written to him as he awaits detention at a New York City jail.

In a message posted on a website established by his defense team, Mangione thanked the overwhelming support he’s garnered, saying, “I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support. Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the world. While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.”

This is Mangione’s first public word since he was arrested in December. Mangione is charged with first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, among other charges, for the killing of Thompson. The 51-year-old CEO was shot in the back while he walked on a Manhattan sidewalk on December 4.

The killing has received broad condemnation from officials, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who said, “This kind of premeditated, targeted gun violence cannot and will not be tolerated.” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also weighed in against those who have come to Mangione’s defense, saying, “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this: He is no hero.”

Mangione is also facing charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested December 9. Mangione is charged with using a ‘ghost gun’ outfitted with a suppressor to commit the murder. Authorities found the phrases ‘deny’, ‘depose’, and ‘delay’ scribbled on two expended shell casings and one bullet discovered at the crime scene.

Mangione has entered pleas of not guilty to the charges. His lawyers established the site to present factual information regarding the case and to dispel false reports, with a message from the attorneys noting that the site addresses common questions.

Defenders of Mangione have launched an almost $400,000 crowdfunding campaign to help finance his defense. He has another court date scheduled for February 21 in Manhattan.

It is also interesting to point out that although Mangione’s letters at the time of his arrest showed his exasperations with the healthcare system, neither he nor his family were covered by UnitedHealthcare. The case remains a topic of public controversy, with many asking what drove Mangione to commit the crime.