Luigi Mangione has spoke out for the first time from prison after being charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thompson was gunned down just outside his hotel in New York City, prompting a manhunt for his killer which ended in a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania where Mangione was arrested.
Mangione has been charged with first-degree murder and issued a plea of not guilty to the criminal counts against him, which include the charge that he committed murder as an act of terrorism.
Since his incarceration there has not been much of an opportunity for Mangione to speak out, though he did at one point shout ‘it’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience’ while being moved by officers.
Now his team have released a statement from him while he’s in jail in which he has thanked everyone who has offered him their support.
The statement read: “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 globe.
“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.”
Over $400,000 (£317,000) has been raised in public donations to help fund Mangione’s legal defence, and his representatives said he ‘very much appreciates the outpouring of support’.
His legal team has accepted the donations from over 10,000 members of the public and said the money will go towards paying Mangione’s legal costs.
Mangione’s case is very divisive. He is charged with murdering Brian Thompson, but there are some in the US who bear no love for the health insurance industry.
