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Friday's Final Word
UnitedHealthcare boss killer Luigi Mangione has broken his silence two months after his brazen assassination shocked the country.
Mangione, 26, gunned down the giant health insurer’s chief executive, Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 5.
Details have leaked from prison of his reaction to his polarizing notoriety, but he made no public statements other than to plead not guilty – until now.
Mangione’s lawyers, from Agnifilo Intrater, set up a website documenting his case, including a message from the killer thanking his fans.
‘I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,’ he said.
UnitedHealthcare boss killer Luigi Mangione has broken his silence two months after his brazen assassination shocked the country
Mangione, 26, gunned down the giant health insurer’s chief executive, Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 5
‘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.’
Mangione has been imprisoned at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since soon after his arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.
His lawyers, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo, and Jacob Kaplan, also made a statement on the website.
‘Due to the extraordinary volume of inquiries and outpouring of support, this site was created and is maintained by Luigi Mangione’s New York legal defense team to provide answers to frequently asked questions, accurate information about his cases, and dispel misinformation,’ it read.
‘The intent is to share factual information regarding the unprecedented, multiple prosecutions against him.’
Mangione is fighting murder and terrorism charges in New York state, and federal second-degree murder and weapons charges.
He next faces court on February 21 in Manhattan.
Mangione is escorted by police in New York on December 19
Mangione, despite being a cold-blooded murderer, has divided opinion since his identity was revealed at his arrest.
Many revere him as a hero for striking against UnitedHealthcare, the country’s biggest health insurer that denies the most claims by percentage, and the American health system in general.
More than $400,000 has been raised by ‘sick’ fans who made it their mission to support his ongoing legal battle.
His support is also helped by his good looks, and many of his fans want him released from jail and the charges dropped.
Instead, he faces execution if he is convicted in the federal case.
More to come.
Luigi MangioneBrian Thompson
