MANHATTAN, NY. (THECOUNT) — GoFundMe has officially removed all fundraisers created to support Luigi Mangione, who was apprehended Monday and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The campaigns, which appeared within hours of Mangione’s arrest, have been shut down due to violations of the platform’s policies.
Mangione, accused in the December 4 killing, has sparked an unusual wave of public fascination. After his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the internet was quickly flooded with memes, merchandise, and campaigns from supporters rallying behind him. Some fundraisers were launched to cover Mangione’s legal expenses, but GoFundMe acted swiftly to remove the campaigns, citing their terms of service.
A GoFundMe spokesperson told TMZ: “GoFundMe’s Terms of Service prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes. The fundraisers have been removed from our platform and all donors have been refunded.”
The 47-year-old suspect became a polarizing figure following the murder. His arrest unearthed a three-page manifesto in which he allegedly criticized corporate America and the healthcare industry. Authorities believe the manifesto sheds light on Mangione’s motives.
The fascination with Mangione has reached unusual levels, with some dubbing him a folk hero among critics of the healthcare system. Memes referencing pop culture, including The Sopranos and Super Mario Bros., have proliferated, and merchandise featuring Mangione’s image is now being sold online. Items range from T-shirts to coffee mugs and even a mock Time Person of the Year cover.
Mangione was apprehended after a customer at a McDonald’s in Altoona recognized him from widely circulated wanted posters. The customer alerted an employee, who notified local police. Officers arrested Mangione without incident and recovered what they believe is the murder weapon.
Brian Thompson was gunned down in broad daylight on December 4, and the case has drawn nationwide attention. While the suspect’s unusual following has raised eyebrows, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office remains focused on building its case against him.
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