A Minnesota man showed up at a federal detention center claiming to be an FBI agent and tried to secure the release of Luigi Mangione, the suspect held in the high-profile killing of a health care executive.
Luigi Mangione remains in custody as he faces federal and state charges in the December 2024 assassination-style killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The case has drawn intense attention and a surprising number of supporters, some of whom have taken extreme, unlawful actions on his behalf. That attention set the stage for a bizarre attempt to extract Mangione from custody.
Authorities say Mark Anderson, 36, traveled to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and claimed to have a court order signed by a judge to remove a specific inmate. Staff at the intake area were skeptical and asked to see credentials, which led to the confrontation. Instead of official paperwork, Anderson presented a Minnesota driver’s license and a stack of documents.
He allegedly told Bureau of Prisons personnel he had weapons in his bag, and when officers checked the bag they found what prosecutors described as a barbecue fork and a pizza cutter. Anderson was charged with impersonating a federal agent after the encounter, a federal offense that carries serious penalties when it involves attempting to interfere with detention operations. The scene underscored how far some supporters appear willing to go.
‘Minnesota man’ has arrived (via ABC News):
A Minnesota man allegedly tried to break Luigi Mangione out of jail in New York, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Mark Anderson, 36, was charged Thursday with impersonating a federal agent after authorities said he showed up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn claiming to be an FBI agent with a court order to release Mangione, sources said.
Mangione is being held at MDC-Brooklyn while he awaits federal and state trials for the assassination-style killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.
Anderson allegedly approached the intake area inside the MDC and claimed he had paperwork “signed by a judge” authorizing the release of a specific inmate, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint does not name Mangione, but law enforcement sources told ABC News that is who Anderson was seeking.
When Bureau of Prisons personnel asked to see Anderson’s credentials, federal prosecutors said he showed them a Minnesota driver’s license and “threw at the BOP officers numerous documents.”
Anderson said he had weapons in his bag, and inside the bag was a barbecue fork and a pizza cutter, according to the criminal complaint.
I mean, you just can’t make this up:
The arrest and charges make clear the Bureau of Prisons staff followed protocol by requesting verification and refusing to act on unverified claims. Officers did what they should in a secure facility: they treated the situation as potentially dangerous and escalated appropriately. That response likely prevented anything more serious from happening that day.
Impersonating a federal agent is not a minor stunt when performed at a detention center; it creates the exact kind of risk courts and prisons are designed to avoid. The alleged behavior—showing dubious paperwork, claiming judicial authorization, and asserting possession of weapons—fits a pattern prosecutors will want to examine closely. If the allegations hold up, federal charges will proceed alongside whatever state matters apply.
Mangione’s legal situation remains complex: he faces both federal and state proceedings tied to a killing that shocked the industry and the public. The presence of extremely vocal supporters complicates security for courts and detention facilities, forcing agencies to stay alert to copycat or escalation attempts. Law enforcement agencies have to balance the rights of those involved with the need to keep staff and other inmates safe.
Beyond the legal details, this episode highlights how modern fame—whether infamy or support—can inspire risky behavior from followers who misunderstand or willfully ignore the law. Individuals who insert themselves into criminal matters can escalate dangers to everyone on site and create new charges for themselves in the process. Courts and prisons are prepared for protests and media attention, but not for someone impersonating an agent and showing up with kitchen tools.
Authorities will likely release more information as charges move through the system, including details about Anderson’s intentions and any connections he may have to Mangione’s circle of supporters. For now, the immediate outcome is clear: an alleged impersonator was stopped at the gate and charged. The incident serves as a reminder that attempts to subvert legal procedures carry significant consequences.
Okay, maybe Florida man will never be retired.
