Man Arrested for Allegedly Impersonating FBI Agent at Federal Jail Luigi Mangione

Federal authorities have arrested a Minnesota man accused of impersonating an FBI agent in a bizarre attempt to secure the release of Luigi Mangione, who is facing federal and state murder charges. The incident unfolded Wednesday evening at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, according to court filings and law enforcement sources.

The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Mark Anderson, is charged with falsely pretending to be an officer of the United States government, a federal offense that carries serious penalties.

Alleged Attempt to Secure Luigi Mangione’s Release

According to a criminal complaint, Mark Anderson arrived at the federal detention facility claiming he was an FBI agent and presented what he described as a court order authorizing Luigi Mangione’s release. When Bureau of Prisons officers asked for official credentials, Mark Anderson allegedly provided only a Minnesota driver’s license.

Officials also reported that Anderson claimed to be carrying weapons in his bag. During the interaction, he allegedly threw paperwork at officers, documents that appeared to reference legal claims against the Justice Department rather than any legitimate court authorization.

Prison officials searched Anderson’s backpack and recovered a barbecue-style fork and a circular steel blade, raising further concerns about the seriousness of the encounter.

US Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder

Who Is Mark Anderson?

Law enforcement sources say Anderson had traveled to New York for a potential job opportunity that ultimately fell through. He was reportedly working at a pizzeria prior to his arrest. Authorities have not identified any clear personal or professional connection between Mark Anderson and Luigi Mangione, and it remains unclear what motivated the alleged impersonation.

Anderson is expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn, where prosecutors will formally present the charge against him.

The Case Against Luigi Mangione

Mangione has been held in federal custody since December 2024 following his arrest for the suspected murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He faces both federal and state murder charges and has pleaded not guilty.

The federal judge overseeing Luigi Mangione’s case recently outlined a tentative trial timeline. Jury selection is scheduled to begin in September, with opening statements set for October if the Justice Department is barred from seeking the death penalty. If capital charges remain in play, the trial could be delayed until January 2027. A ruling on the death penalty issue is expected imminently.

Federal and State Jurisdiction Clash

Adding another layer of complexity, Manhattan prosecutors have asked a state judge to schedule Luigi Mangione’s state trial for July, ahead of the federal proceedings. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office argues the crime occurred in New York City and that the state has a compelling interest in prosecuting the case first.

Mangione’s defense team has said it will need adequate time to prepare for the federal trial, underscoring the high-stakes legal battle ahead.