Man Allegedly Posed as FBI Agent to Free Luigi Mangione in New York

• Man poses as FBI agent
• Attempted to free Mangione
• Utensils found in backpack

According to the news agency EFE, a man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to free Luigi Mangione by posing as a federal agent in New York.

A man pleaded not guilty Tuesday in New York after being accused of impersonating an FBI agent with the alleged intention of securing Mangione’s release from prison.

The defendant was identified as Mark Anderson, a 36-year-old resident of Minnesota.

The hearing took place in federal court for the Eastern District of New York and lasted approximately five minutes.

Anderson faces charges for impersonating an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), according to local media.

Brief Hearing and Detention Order

The charge is based on Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 912.

That statute criminalizes impersonating a federal official.

A federal judge ordered that Anderson remain in custody.

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His attorney, Michael Weil, indicated that he may later seek his client’s release on bail.

Anderson previously worked at a pizzeria in the Bronx.

He is currently being held at the same federal facility in Brooklyn where Luigi Mangione is detained.

Attempt at the Metropolitan Detention Center

According to available information, Anderson appeared on January 28 at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn.

He was reportedly wearing attire resembling prison clothing when he arrived at the facility.

He claimed to be an FBI agent.

He also stated that he had a court order authorizing the release of an inmate.

The documents he presented did not identify the prisoner by name.

However, a law enforcement official indicated that the intended individual was Mangione, according to the digital outlet Gothamist.

Utensils Found in Mark Anderson’s Backpack

Authorities said prison staff requested official credentials.

Mark Anderson allegedly presented only his driver’s license.

He also reportedly stated that he was carrying weapons in his backpack.

After detaining him, agents searched the bag.

Inside, they found kitchen utensils.

Among the items were a pizza cutter and a barbecue fork.

Mangione remains housed at the same federal prison in Brooklyn.

He is awaiting trial in connection with the December 2024 killing of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.

Legal proceedings against Anderson continue as he remains in federal custody, facing charges tied to the alleged attempt to free Mangione as a fake FBI agent.