(NewsNation) — An anonymous donor has given $11,000 to Luigi Mangione’s defense fund, citing President Donald Trump’s executive order on the death penalty as their reason for giving.
The donor said the death penalty should not be politicized but said they are concerned, given Trump’s executive order, that it will continue to be.
“I am also concerned about the severe infringement on the defendant’s right to a fair trial and due process, since his juries are effectively pre-tainted,” the donor said.
As of Thursday evening, the legal defense fund for Mangione has raised more than $500,000.
Mangione released a statement to the public on a website managed by his attorney, thanking people who have written him letters for their support.
Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as he was on his way to a conference in Manhattan on Dec. 4.
He was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day search and extradited to New York City.
Mangione faces federal charges on two counts of stalking, one count of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense. He also faces state charges in Pennsylvania and New York.
Mangione’s next court appearance is Friday at a New York state court. His next appearance in Pennsylvania state court is scheduled for Feb. 24.
Mangione’s next appearance in federal court is scheduled for March 19.