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Luigi Mangione, the man charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is reportedly receiving an inundation of fan mail to the extent that he has issued a request via his legal defense website, asking admirers to limit the photos sent to no more than five at a time. As ABC7 New York reported, these photos are being sent to Mangione's current residence at the federal jail in Brooklyn, and each is screened and reviewed by law enforcement.
Being charged with the premeditated murder that took place on Dec. 4, Mangione, a 26-year-old, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts, and faces life imprisonment without parole on state charges, with a looming federal case that could even result in the death penalty. The New York Post reports further unusual activity, with a crowd of so-called fans braving the cold to catch a glimpse of Mangione outside a Manhattan courthouse last week.
Marshal to the impassioned public support he has received as his legal battle unfolds, Mangione's defense fund has accrued over $615,000 thus far according to his website. He issued a statement which highlighted the diversity of support, saying, “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 per the New York Post. Despite facing severe accusations, Mangione's unexpected popularity raises concerns over the sensationalism of high-profile criminal cases.
The message on Mangione's website reminds patrons that while he appreciates the photos that are sent, the screening process due to the sheer volume of photos could take longer than usual. The site also encourages people to support the defense fund monetarily, indicating a robust social support system for someone still awaiting a trial date for grave charges which includes the chilling detail, as laid out by the New York Post, that he is accused of an "act of terrorism."
