Luigi Mangione ‘choked up’ over public support after being charged with murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Mangione also received support from fellow inmates at the Pennsylvania jail he was being held at before being extradited to New York City, with whom Mangione shared the proceeds of his newfound fame, and inmates helped him get a "glow up" before his move to New York.

Mangione is reportedly "extremely aware of the massive fan base he has right now" and was "shocked and really choked up" when he first saw the support he has received, a source close to Mangione said. The support reportedly "gave him confidence and reassurance that he will be okay." The suspected killer is said to be used to receiving attention from "men and women alike" but "not to this level," and he is "moved" by the public’s fixation on him.

Mangione has also received support from inmates, with the legal insider telling the outlet that prisoners who had been heard during a News Nation broadcast outside the Pennsylvania prison shouting in support of Mangione "did it so that Luigi could hear them."

Inside the prison, inmates helped Mangione get a haircut and shave before his extradition. "Prisoners of his caliber do not get special treatment inside prison... His glow up was an inside job and this is due to the fact he has become a kind of vigilante of sorts," the source said, adding, "The barbershop head had to go to him to make this happen. Prisoners generally cannot get a haircut let alone a fade eyebrows and a facial."

"It was bizarre to guards and prison staff how he had become a hero in the inside and outside," the source continued. "This has made it a lot easier for him during his PA time his transition and his NYC time."

Outside the Manhattan court where Mangione was arraigned on Monday, a few dozen supporters chanted "Free Luigi," and on Thursday, fans in Pennsylvania gathered with placards to see Mangione. At least two were dressed up as Luigi from Super Mario Bros, and several TikTok users shared how they drove as far as six hours to attend his Monday court hearing.