Netizens are divided on the question of setting up an online defence fund for Luigi Mangione, the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The online defense fund was initiated by anonymous individuals.
According to the media outlet ABC 7 News, an anonymous group that called itself “The December 4th Legal Committee” has managed to raise $100,000, and its intended goal is to raise $200,000 through the crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo.
However, it is now reported that the GiveSendGo fund account has been taken down, and the group has released a statement that read:
“We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation.”
Netizens have reacted in a mixed fashion to people raising money for a person who is a prime suspect in an assassination. A user on X expressed disbelief and, in a post on X, stated:
“They’re raising money for him? Wow! Society is LOST. @GiveSendGo He assassinated someone intentionally; we cannot contribute to this. Society is doomed. Luigi Mangione GiveSendGo Defense Fund Crosses $100,000.”
They’re raising money for him? Wow! Society is LOST.
@GiveSendGo He assassinated someone intentionally we cannot contribute to this. Society is doomed.
Luigi Mangione GiveSendGo Defense Fund Crosses $100,000https://t.co/d11tctzx8a— Lisa Hartke (@Lihartke) December 15, 2024
Most netizens have expressed shock and said they just could not understand how things are evolving in recent times.
One user stated:
“The Bible says in the days before Jesus returns that the people will call evil good and good evil.”
Many netizens have also derided the people who are contributing to Luigi Mangione’s GiveSendGo fund and labelled it as endorsing vigilante justice.
However, a sizeable number of netizens supported the initiative and contended that every person has a right to a speedy and fair trial. Many also reminded readers of the oft-repeated adage that a person is innocent unless proven guilty.
However, fundraising portal GoFundMe told a media house that it has removed Luigi Mangione-related fundraisers and the funds collected have been refunded to the donors.
The platform stated that this measure has been taken because it contravened its policies. The platform also stated that it does not allow funds to be raised for the “legal defence of violent crimes.”
However, later the GoFundMe campaign was restored, and a spokesperson told ABC News on December 16 that the platform believes that a person is innocent until proven guilty and added:
“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.”
Luigi Mangione’s attorney has, however, stated that his client will not accept money from the fund, and it could be used to fund legal proceedings for other political detainees.
Also, Etsy, a platform that enables people across the world to sell merchandise, has quietly removed merchandise like apparel, candles, and other wares related to Luigi Mangione from its listings. However, the site has not issued any statement in this regard.
