Luigi Mangione's defense fund received its largest donation yet after an "anonymous giver" paid $36,500 earlier this week, the New York Post reports.

The donation surpassed the previous record of $30,000 as Mangione's defense fund has now received more than $722,000. The anonymous donor said they were inspired by the growing support for Mangione, who is accused in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Earlier this month, Mangione addressed getting halfway to his goal of $1 million in donations statement on the website for his legal defense fund.

“I am overwhelmed by - and grateful for - everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support. 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. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future,” Mangione said.

The website was launched "due to the extraordinary volume of inquiries and outpouring of support" Mangione has received. The 26-year-old pleaded "not guilty" in a Manhattan courtroom packed with at least two dozen women and six men watching in attendance on December 23, the New York Post reported at the time.

Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, was arrested in Altoona after a McDonald's employee spotted him eating at the restaurant and believed he resembled the then-wanted gunman linked to the Manhattan shooting. The suspect was found carrying a ghost gun, masks and a manifesto linked to the incident at the time of his arrest, authorities confirmed.

Gary Sadlemyer and KFAB's Morning News