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Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been receiving an overwhelming amount of correspondence and support while incarcerated. According to a statement on his legal defense website, Mangione is "overwhelmed by—and grateful for—everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support."
The accused killer, an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, is currently held in a Brooklyn federal jail following his arrest for the December 4th shooting of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. He faces multiple serious charges across three jurisdictions, including murder and terrorism charges that could potentially result in the death penalty.
His supporters have raised over $615,000 for his legal defense as of February 20th. The website facilitating these donations also serves as a communication hub for updates on his case and his messages to supporters.
"While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive," Mangione stated on the website. "Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future."
Beyond written correspondence, Mangione has been receiving numerous photos from supporters. His legal team recently posted an update requesting moderation in these submissions: "Luigi is allowed to receive photos via Shutterfly and FreePrints in accordance with mail procedures while in custody," the FAQ section states. "Due to the volume of photos, they could take longer than usual to be screened and shared."
The statement emphasizes that every photo received is screened by law enforcement before being shared with Mangione. Given this screening process and the sheer volume of submissions, Mangione "kindly asks that people send no more than five photos at a time." The site also requests that supporters "temporarily refrain" from sending books.
This flood of correspondence comes as Mangione has attracted a surprising following. During his February 21st court appearance, more than 100 supporters—primarily young women—packed the Manhattan courthouse. Some waited for hours in freezing temperatures hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
The support has manifested in other public displays as well. Some followers rented a billboard truck to drive near the courthouse, while others posted a billboard in Lower Manhattan depicting Mangione as a saint alongside the words "Free Luigi."
His next scheduled court appearance is March 19th in Manhattan federal court, where the case that has captivated public attention will continue to unfold.
