(WTAJ) — Luigi Mangione, charged for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, spoke out for the first time since his arrest in December.
Breaking his silence from behind the bars of his Brooklyn jail cell, Mangione sent a message of gratitude to the assumed thousands of individuals who have sent him letters expressing their support, and to those that have donated over $475 thousand to his legal defense fund.
Mangione is accused of stalking and shooting Thompson. He was arrested in Altoona at the McDonalds on Plank Road after employees reported him, telling police he looked like the photos of the shooter circulated by the New York Police Department.
Since his arrest, there’s been an outcry from millions of Americans demanding change to the country’s healthcare system. They have called Mangione a hero.
But officials are alarmed by the glorification of the violent killing of Thompson who authorities believe was targeted by Mangione only for his position with the company. Mangione himself was not even a client of United Healthcare.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro called Mangione a coward and Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks said that anyone charged with criminal homicide is a danger to society.
The public has heard very little from Mangione since his arrest, but through his legal team, he issued a message to his supporters on his legal defense information website. He said he’s overwhelmed and grateful for everyone who shared their stories about negative interactions with health insurance companies. He said that even though he’s unable to reply to everyone due to the volume of letters he receives, he does read every one and thanks people for taking the time to write.
“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.”
Luigi Mangione
All eyes have been on Mangione’s federal charges, but he does still have an active case against him in Blair County. He’s facing felony weapons charges for a ghost gun that was allegedly found on him at the time he was arrested.
He has a hearing in that case Monday.