A legal defense fund for Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has crossed the $100,000 mark on GiveSendGo after it was briefly removed from other fundraising platforms.

The legal defense fund, aiming to raise $200,000, is being managed by an anonymous group called "The December 4th Legal Committee," and it has raised $111,981 as of now, as Breitbart reports.

Mangione, 26, a Maryland native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, is accused of shooting Thompson on Dec. 4 before engaging in a five-day manhunt. He is facing charges in both Pennsylvania and New York, including murder in the latter state. As the case unfolds, Mangione’s legal defense fund has become a focal point for both supporters and critics.

The fundraiser, initially removed from the platform, was reinstated on Thursday after a brief suspension. GiveSendGo, a crowdfunding site often used for legal defense campaigns, explained that it does not preemptively judge guilt or innocence and allows such fundraisers as long as they do not violate the site’s terms of use.

"We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation," said the December 4th Legal Committee, defending the campaign.

Campaign Faces Removal from Other Platforms

Meanwhile, other major platforms have distanced themselves from the campaign. GoFundMe removed any fundraising efforts related to Mangione, citing its policy against supporting legal defense for violent crimes.

The platform also refunded all donations made to his cause. In addition, Etsy pulled merchandise featuring Mangione's name, including shirts, mugs, and Christmas ornaments, after reports of these items surfaced.

Despite the controversy, the fundraiser has garnered significant support. Some anonymous donors have praised Mangione for his actions. One donor, who shared their own experience with medical debt, called Mangione a “hero” and described the financial struggles their family endured while dealing with uninsured medical bills. Another donor, an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran, defended Mangione’s actions, criticizing the political system and corporate influence on healthcare.

Legal Experts Weigh in on Constitutional Rights

Mangione’s defense attorney, Thomas Dickey, has expressed mixed feelings about the public support for his client. While acknowledging the importance of legal due process, Dickey also stated his discomfort with the donations. "I just don’t feel comfortable about that," he remarked, adding that while Mangione appreciates the support, accepting such donations "just doesn’t sit right with me."

Despite his personal reservations, Dickey emphasized the importance of Americans presuming innocence until proven guilty. "People are entitled to their opinion and, like I said, if you’re an American and you believe in the American criminal justice system, you have to presume him to be innocent," Dickey said in a recent interview. "None of us would want anything other than that if that were us in their shoes."

The legal defense fund's progress has raised questions about public opinion and the role of crowdfunding in high-profile criminal cases. While GiveSendGo's spokesperson reiterated the platform's policy of neutrality in legal matters, other platforms have taken a more restrictive stance on campaigns related to violent crimes.

Attorney Defends Right to Due Process

Mangione’s extradition to New York is currently being disputed. He faces murder charges in the state, and his legal team, which includes Karen Agnifilo Friedman, a former prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, is working to contest his transfer. Friedman’s involvement in the case adds further attention to the high-profile legal battle.

In Pennsylvania, Mangione has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including illegal possession of a ghost gun and fraudulent identification. The shooting death of Brian Thompson, which led to a nationwide manhunt, remains a central part of the case.

Supporters Draw Criticism and Legal Questions

The ongoing case continues to spark debate among the public and legal experts. Supporters argue that Mangione’s actions were a form of protest against healthcare policies, while critics highlight the violent nature of the alleged crime. The divide has sparked conversations about the ethical considerations of supporting a legal defense fund for someone accused of murder.

Dickey, who represents Mangione, has emphasized that the public must respect the legal process. "Everyone deserves the opportunity to access due process," he said, reiterating the American principle that all individuals are entitled to a fair trial. However, the controversy surrounding Mangione’s defense fund underscores the broader societal debates about justice, healthcare, and political accountability.

Fundraising and Legal Strategies Amid Public Division

While the legal case continues to unfold, the fundraiser’s growing financial support highlights the deep divide in public opinion surrounding Mangione’s actions. As the fundraiser approaches its $200,000 goal, the public’s attention remains fixed on the case, with both supporters and critics watching closely as the legal battle intensifies.

Mangione’s defense will continue in both Pennsylvania and New York courts, with the outcome of the case potentially having broader implications for similar legal defense campaigns in the future. The ongoing controversy and support for his defense fund demonstrate the complexity of the case and the shifting landscape of public opinion in high-profile criminal trials.

As the case progresses, the questions surrounding the intersection of legal defense, public support, and online fundraising remain at the forefront of the national conversation. For now, Mangione’s legal team prepares for the next steps in the battle for his freedom, while public debate continues to swirl around the motives and actions that led to his arrest.