Luigi Mangione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Luigi Mangione has shared a heartfelt message from prison, addressing the overwhelming number of photographs sent to him by his growing fanbase.
Accused of the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, the 26-year-old has quickly attracted attention, particularly from a devoted group of supporters. Hundreds of fans, mostly young women, showed up at Mangione’s first court appearance since his arraignment on February 21. Many lined up outside the New York City courthouse before dawn, holding placards and eager to show their support, according to People.
In response to this unexpected surge in interest, Mangione’s legal team has launched a website dedicated to the case, which includes an FAQ page and a platform for the defendant to communicate directly with his supporters. On the site, Mangione issued a statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. He wrote: “I am truly overwhelmed by and grateful for everyone who has written to me, sharing their stories and offering support. It is incredibly moving to see that this support crosses all boundaries — political, racial, and even class.”
He continued, “Though I can’t reply to every letter, please know that I read each one that I receive. Your words mean a lot to me. Thank you for taking the time to reach out, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.”
The FAQ page also clarified the process for fans who wish to send Mangione photographs. “Luigi is permitted to receive photos via Shutterfly and FreePrints in line with mail procedures while in custody, as outlined in the Federal Bureau of Prisons Program Statement No. 5800.16 (Mail Management Manual) and Program Statement No. 5265.11 (Correspondence),” the response explained.
It further noted, “Due to the high volume of photos being sent, please be aware that they may take longer than usual to be screened and shared. Luigi deeply appreciates the photos and kindly requests that supporters send no more than five at a time.”
A final reminder cautioned, “All photos received are screened and reviewed by law enforcement before being delivered.”
At Friday’s hearing, Mangione’s legal team raised significant concerns about evidence obtained by police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where the 26-year-old was arrested.
Speaking to the press outside the court, Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, expressed worry that his constitutional rights may have been violated during the arrest. “We are concerned that Luigi’s constitutional rights were violated in Pennsylvania,” Agnifilo told 6 ABC.
She went on to highlight potential “serious search and seizure issues,” explaining, “It is alleged that Luigi had a gun on him and other property that authorities intend to use against him in connection with these cases.”
“While we still need to review all the paperwork and camera footage when it’s made available to us, our initial assessment raises significant concerns,” she added. “We believe this may be a serious search and seizure issue.”
A judge is yet to set a trial date.
