Luigi Mangione is asking supporters not to overwhelm him with photos and messages during his incarceration in Brooklyn, New York.

Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a New York City street, made his first appearance in court last week. He faces charges of murder by firearm, firearm offenses and stalking.

The high-profile case has sparked nationwide discourse over healthcare reform and created a substantial following for Mangione, a 26-year-old Towson native and 2016 Gilman valedictorian. In a statement shared to his legal defense website, Mangione urged supporters not to bombard him with messages.

“I am overwhelmed by — and grateful for — everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,” he wrote. “While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive.”

The website’s frequently asked questions section also seeks to limit the amount of photos sent.

“Luigi appreciates the photos that are sent and kindly asks that people send no more than five photos at a time,” the site reads. “Please note that every photo that is received is screened and reviewed by law enforcement.”

The site also instructs followers not to send Mangione any more books as prison rules limit how many he can have.

“Due to the overwhelming generosity of members of the public, numerous books have already been mailed to Luigi,” it reads. “He is very appreciative, but kindly asks that people temporarily refrain from sending more books.”

Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued last week prosecutors have allowed public perception of Mangione to influence their treatment of him, such as forcing him to remain shackled in the courtroom.

“Luigi’s right to a fair trial is being infringed upon because he is being publicly treated as guilty and as having the presumption of guilt, as opposed to the presumption of innocence, which is what he is entitled to,” she said.

Since Mangione’s arrest, online merchants have pushed an array of “deny, defend, depose” merchandise. The three words are sometimes used as an explanation of how insurance companies don’t pay claims and were written on bullet casings found at the scene of Thompson’s killing.

President Donald Trump in December decried support for Mangione, saying it reflects poorly on the country.

“I think it’s a terrible thing,” Trump said. “I think it’s really terrible that some people seem to admire him, like him.”

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