Luigi Mangione, who is currently awaiting trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has asked that his fans stop sending him so many photos.
The 26-year-old graduate of the University of Pennsylvania issued the request after being inundated with unsolicited pictures sent to him at a federal jail in Brooklyn where he is currently being held.
“Luigi is allowed to receive photos via Shutterfly and FreePrints in accordance with mail procedures while in custody,” a statement on the FAQ page of his legal defense information website says.
“Due to the volume of photos, they could take longer than usual to be screened and shared. Luigi appreciates the photos that are sent and kindly asks that people send no more than five photos at a time. Please note that every photo that is received is screened and reviewed by law enforcement.”
The FAQ page previously had a statement asking fans to stop sending Mangione books.
Last Friday, the Ivy League graduate appeared for a pretrial hearing in New York Criminal Court, which attracted dozens of his supporters to the courthouse. Despite the serious nature of his charges, Mangione has accumulated a large fan base, especially among leftists who are unhappy with the U.S. healthcare system.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. No trial date has been set.
He is also facing federal charges, which could result in the death penalty, but a federal grand jury has not yet indicted him. His next date in federal court is in mid-March, per ABC News.
Mangione released his first public statement earlier this month and mentioned the amount of fan mail he’s received since being arrested.
“I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,” the statement from Mangione read. “Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe.”
He added, “While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.”
Thompson, a husband and father of two children, was killed by a masked assassin who was caught on video firing multiple shots into the UnitedHealthcare CEO before fleeing the scene. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after the murder.