More than $35,000 has been raised for Luigi Mangione , the man charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, through an online fundraiser. In the days following the December 4 shooting of Thompson, donations have poured in, with messages supporting Mangione and celebrating the crime.Mangione, 26, faces murder charges for gunning down Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel before an industry conference. Despite the broad condemnation of the crime, Mangione has gained support in certain online circles, becoming a controversial figure. His support intensified after his arrest on Monday, with more than a thousand donors contributing to the GiveSendGo campaign. Many of the donors express frustration with the U.S. healthcare system, criticizing insurance companies for denying coverage and fueling resentment over rising income inequality. One donor described Thompson’s killing as a “justifiable homicide,” while others invoked the phrase ” Deny, Depose, Defend ,” reportedly found on shell casings at the scene, which some believe reflects tactics used by insurers to avoid payouts. Merchandise featuring slogans like “CEO Hunter” is also being sold, and “Wanted” posters with the faces of CEOs have appeared in New York City. Former NYPD detective Felipe Rodriguez expressed dismay at the support Mangione has received, calling him “a stone-cold killer.” Rodriguez added, “They’ve made him a martyr for all the troubles people have had with their own insurance companies.” Mangione is currently being held in Pennsylvania on gun and forgery charges as New York prosecutors seek his extradition. His lawyer has said that Mangione plans to plead not guilty to the charges in Pennsylvania.
Follow Newsweek’s live blog for updates.
Maria A. Bivens, Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, confirmed in an email to Newsweek that Luigi Mangione has not received any fan mail while incarcerated…