From behind the walls of Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he’s awaiting trial for the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione is taking stock of his life, and he’s doing it with surprising warmth, humor, and a flair for the dramatic.
In an electronic letter circulated on social media this week, Mangione shared a list of “27 things I’m grateful for” to mark his 27th birthday on May 6. Despite facing serious federal charges and being housed in the same facility as Sean “Diddy” Combs, the heir to a real estate fortune is choosing gratitude over gloom.
The Birthday List Heard ‘Round the Internet
At the top of Mangione’s list? “My friends, for being there when I needed it most,” he wrote. He followed that up with, “My family, for [REDACTED — my personal life is none of your business!],” a cheeky nod to public scrutiny and a reminder that he’s not ready to spill all his tea just yet.
The letter offers unexpected thanks to just about everyone in his orbit: the mailroom workers who process the international flood of fan letters, the guards who’ve proven to be “nothing like what The Shawshank Redemption had me believe,” and even his cellmate, known only as “J.”
Fan Clubs and Commissary Coins
If you thought support for Mangione was niche, think again. His fandom appears to be thriving, with supporters forming groups like “Latinas for Mangione” and raising over $1 million to help fund his legal defense. Some are even pitching in to ensure the alleged assassin can enjoy jailhouse essentials, including, yes, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce on chicken Thursdays.
“Sorry to my vegan followers,” he quipped in the letter, “but it’s the realest food here, and I need my strength.”
Back in February, the magnitude of his following became clear when hundreds, mostly young women, lined up outside his New York City court hearing waving signs like it was opening night of a pop star’s tour, not a criminal arraignment.
@dailymail Despite freezing temperatures, supporters of accused gunman Luigi Mangione are waiting for him to arrive back in New York. #luigimangione #newyorkcity #ceo #healthcare #police
@dailymail Chants of ‘free Luigi’ could be heard as Luigi Mangione supporters gathered outside the Manhattan Criminal Court building in New York. 🎥 Reuters #news #luigi #luigimangione #crime #newyork
A Jailhouse Scholar
In addition to BBQ sauce and fan mail, Mangione says he’s been passing time reading and listening to music — although he didn’t drop any titles. Still, the image of the University of Pennsylvania alum sipping metaphorical tea in a concrete cell while flipping pages has only fueled the bizarre public fascination with him.
His team has since set up a website complete with an FAQ page, where Mangione continues to address his supporters. In a public statement posted there, he writes:
“Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe.
While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive.”
The Public vs. The Persona
While some may raise an eyebrow at the spectacle surrounding Mangione, a man still awaiting trial for a high-profile murder, others seem captivated by his vulnerability, his sense of humor, and his surprisingly thorough list of life’s small blessings.
As Mangione puts it, “I look forward to hearing more in the future.” Whether he’s talking about fan mail or court updates is anyone’s guess.
