An online crowdfunding for Luigi Mangione the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has already raised more than R$490 thousand on the GiveSendGo website, this Friday (13).
The initiative, according to information on the website, aims to “preventative legal fundraising” to guarantee the “constitutional right to fair legal representation”.
“All proceeds will be sent directly to Luigi or, if he chooses to reject the funds, they will be donated to legal funds for other US political prisoners,” the online campaign adds.
The platform also provides support messages that include celebrations for the crime.
Mangione was charged with murder in the killing of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Brian Thompson in a Dec. 4 shooting outside a Manhattan hotel before an insurance industry conference.
The crime Luigi is accused of has been widely condemned, but the 26-year-old has become a mix of folk hero, celebrity and online crush in certain circles. Support appears to have intensified since his arrest on Monday (9).
The capture took place five days after the murder, when the suspect was identified in a McDonald’s by an employee of the establishment.
Tom Dickey, Luigi Mangione’s lawyer, told CNN on Tuesday (10) that the defense team received some emails from people offering to help pay the suspect’s legal expenses.
“Obviously my client appreciates the support he has, but I don’t know…it just doesn’t feel right,” he said.
The email offers came after Mangione attracted supporters on social media over America’s growing frustration with the health care system.
According to information from Reuters, in New York, “Wanted” posters with the faces of CEOs appeared on the walls. Websites are selling Mangione merchandise, including hats with the phrase “CEO hunter” printed on a target.
Mangione is jailed in Pennsylvania on weapons and forgery charges while New York prosecutors seek his transfer. His attorney said he plans to plead not guilty to the Pennsylvania charges.
With information from Reuters and CNN Internacional.
How Luigi Mangione, suspected of killing CEO, was recognized and arrested
This content was originally published in Donations for Luigi Mangione, suspected of killing CEO, exceed R$490 thousand on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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