Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old heir to a golf club, has been accused of murdering the CEO of UnitedHealthcare during an ambush outside a Manhattan hotel in December. In a rare public address, he expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support he has received, describing it as having “transcended political, racial, and even class lines.”

“I am deeply moved by and grateful for all who have reached out to share their stories and offer their encouragement,” Mangione shared in a statement on a new website created by his defense team.

He further noted, “This significant support has crossed boundaries of politics, race, and class, with letters pouring in from all corners of the country and even internationally.”

According to Mangione’s attorneys, the website was established in response to the substantial inquiries and the outpouring of support, serving as a platform to disseminate factual information about the charges he faces.

Mangione, an Ivy League alumnus, faces charges across three jurisdictions for the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was killed on December 4. In New York, he is facing three counts of murder along with allegations that he committed the act “in furtherance of terrorism,” a charge that could lead to a life sentence if convicted.

On a separate federal level, prosecutors have initiated a four-count indictment against Mangione that may result in the death penalty upon conviction.

Following Thompson’s murder, Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania and subsequently returned to New York. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all allegations.

This recent statement marks Mangione’s first remarks since he criticized media coverage of the incident, calling it “an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their experiences.”

Currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while awaiting trial, Mangione has been contesting the charges, not only in the legal system but also in public discourse, where some view him as a controversial figure.

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has condemned those who portray Mangione as a hero or justify the alleged murder of Thompson, who is survived by his wife and two children.

Shapiro remarked that some reactions are “deeply troubling, as people seem to celebrate rather than condemn this act of violence.”

“In a civilized society, we all become less secure when individuals take justice into their own hands,” Shapiro said, adding that in some circles, Mangione is falsely hailed as a hero. “Let me be clear: he is not a hero.”

A recent poll conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago revealed that a majority of Americans believe that the national health insurance industry’s profit motives—often amplified by frequent coverage denials—played a part in Thompson’s murder. However, approximately 80% of respondents felt that Mangione bore significant responsibility for the crime.

Despite these sentiments, supporters of Mangione have successfully raised over $425,000 for his legal defense as of Saturday. His legal team has indicated their intention to accept these donations, which are being collected on the GiveSendGo platform.