Luigi Mangione Gets Over $200k in Donations for Defense Fund
It is rather amazing how Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of the United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has become a cult hero.
He has now amassed more than $200,000 in donations for his defense fund.
It would appear that Mangione is not the only one who is fed up with health insurance companies.
Fed Up
A group called The December 4th Legal Committee started a crowdfunding campaign to help raise money for Mangione’s defense.
The name of the group is in reference to the date that Mangione allegedly shot Thompson on the street.
The group stated, "We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation.”
The platform where the campaign is running, GiveSendGo, is now taking heat for allowing a crowdfunding campaign for an alleged murdered, but it defended itself by saying it "operates with a principle of not preemptively determining guilt or innocence."
The statement continued, "Our platform does not adjudicate legal matters or the validity of causes. Instead, we allow campaigns to remain live unless they violate the specific terms outlined in our Terms of Use. Importantly, we do allow campaigns for legal defense funds, as we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to access due process.”
A spokesperson for the platform added, "We understand the concerns raised by such campaigns and take these matters seriously. When campaigns are reported, our team conducts a thorough review to ensure they comply with our policies.
“While other platforms may choose a different approach, GiveSendGo's core value is to provide a space where all individuals, no matter their situation, can seek and receive support, with donors making their own informed decisions."
There was another campaign on GoFundMe, but that was removed, as were various products posted in online stores, including Amazon, advocating for Mangione.
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg responded to the support for Mangione, stating, "Celebrating this conduct is abhorrent to me. It's deeply disturbing.
"And what I would say to members of the public, people who, as you described, are celebrating this and maybe contemplating other action, that we will be vigilant and we will hold people accountable. We are at the ready."
As someone who had his own run-ins with insurance companies, most recently having had to contact the CEO of my then-insurance company to get a spinal fusion surgery approved, I completely understand the frustration with health insurance companies and the way they operate.
It is as though “The Rainmaker” has come to life, but I would still never advocate for assassinating the CEO of one of these companies.
It just seems to me that society is going in the completely wrong direction.
