A fundraiser on the Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo has raised over $111,000 for the legal defence of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Organized by the December 4th Legal Committee, the campaign claims to support Mangione’s constitutional right to fair legal representation. The group has no formal ties to Mangione or his legal team and stated unused funds will go to other defendants facing “politicized charges.”
- GiveSendGo defended the campaign, citing Mangione’s right to presumed innocence, while GoFundMe removed similar fundraisers for violating its policy against supporting defendants in violent crimes.
- Other platforms like Amazon and Etsy have removed merchandise celebrating Mangione, and Reddit deleted his account and posts linking to the manifesto he allegedly carried during his arrest.
- Mangione’s lawyer, Thomas Dickey, expressed discomfort with the fundraiser, stating he likely wouldn’t accept its proceeds for legal defense.
- Critics, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, condemned public support for Mangione as “abhorrent” and “disturbing.”
Mangione, arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt, faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder. The case has sparked polarizing reactions, with some portraying him as a martyr against corporate greed and others denouncing the glorification of violence.
