CNN’s Kaitlan Collins is facing scrutiny after she reportedly promoted the legal defense fund for Luigi Mangione, the accused murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Collins deleted the post shortly after backlash erupted online, leading to speculation about her support for the high-profile suspect.
Mangione, 26, was arrested following a multi-state manhunt in December. Prosecutors say he stalked Thompson before fatally shooting him on a New York City sidewalk. Surveillance footage reportedly captures Mangione attacking Thompson from behind before fleeing the scene.
We can now also dispense with the notion that Kaitlan Collins is a serious journalist speaking truth to power (only when an R is in office).
This post fundraising for murderous coward Luigi Mangione’s defense fund was deleted.
No apology from Kaitlan yet. And it ain’t coming. pic.twitter.com/WY9bJYwwov
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) February 16, 2025
Following his arrest, supporters contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to his legal defense, leading to the creation of a website where he issued a statement expressing “gratitude” to those who had written letters of support. Some left-wing activists have attempted to justify Mangione’s actions, framing his attack as an act of resistance against the healthcare industry.
Kaitlan Collins is in big trouble for promoting Luigi Mangione’s defense fund.
She eventually deleted the post, but only after she was lambasted for helping to support the alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO k*ller.@kaitlancollins should take President Trump’s advice and be quiet. pic.twitter.com/2geXos1i3A
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) February 16, 2025
Collins’ now-deleted post included a link to the website set up by his attorneys, but she failed to disclose that one of the lawyers representing Mangione is a former CNN legal analyst. Critics immediately called out her post, questioning why a mainstream journalist would highlight a legal fund for an accused killer.
NEW: CNN’s Kaitlan Collins claims she wasn’t “promoting” Luigi Mangione’s fundraising link, says she was just sharing it because it was “newsworthy.”
The comment comes as many are calling for Collins to lose her press credentials.
“I posted that his attorneys created a website,… pic.twitter.com/aJjNuocvbG
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 16, 2025
This is not the first time CNN has faced accusations of downplaying violence linked to left-wing extremism. The network has been criticized for its coverage of political violence, with critics arguing it applies a double standard depending on the ideological background of those involved.
Collins: People are reaching out to you and offering to help pay for his legal bills
Mangione’s Attorney: That's correct.
Collins: Would you accept those offers?
Mangione’s Attorney: I probably wouldn’t
Collins: Why do you think they’re offering?
Mangione’s Attorney: The… pic.twitter.com/EVbBT29WGx
— Acyn (@Acyn) December 11, 2024
Neither Collins nor CNN has issued a statement about the deleted post. Meanwhile, Mangione remains behind bars as he awaits trial on terrorism and murder charges.
