GoFundMe and Etsy have shut down fundraising and merchandise efforts backing Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson outside a New York hotel on December 4, while GiveSendGo has taken a different stance, allowing active fundraisers to continue supporting him.
Following his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, support flooded social media, with some people defending Mangione’s actions. GoFundMe quickly removed the fundraising campaigns, citing their policy against supporting legal defenses for violent crimes. “The fundraisers have been removed from our platform and all donors have been refunded,” the company stated.
On Etsy, items like Mangione-themed shirts, mugs, and even Christmas ornaments were listed for sale, but the site has since taken them down. No official statement has been issued regarding the removals.
Meanwhile, GiveSendGo continues to host active campaigns, one of which has raised nearly $36,000 of its $200,000 goal
