A man from Minnesota was taken into custody after allegedly posing as an FBI agent and trying to secure the release of a high-profile inmate from a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, New York. The unusual incident occurred late Wednesday evening and has raised questions about security measures and the suspect’s motives.
👮‍♂️ Impersonation and Arrest at Brooklyn Jail
Authorities say Mark Anderson, 36, of Mankato, Minnesota, approached the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn claiming he was an FBI agent in possession of a judge-signed order to release an inmate. When officers requested credentials, Anderson produced only a Minnesota driver’s license and a set of unrelated documents.
Officers quickly became suspicious and took him into custody. A search of his backpack revealed unconventional items — including a barbecue fork and a circular blade resembling a pizza cutter — which Anderson allegedly claimed were weapons.
🧑‍⚖️ Target: Luigi Mangione
While official court documents did not name the individual Anderson was allegedly seeking to free, law enforcement sources confirmed the intended target was Luigi Mangione, a controversial figure currently held pending trial on state and federal charges in connection with the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione remains in custody at the Brooklyn facility as he awaits trial dates in multiple jurisdictions.
⚖️ Charges and Legal Proceedings
Anderson has been charged with impersonating a federal officer and is expected to appear in Brooklyn federal court. Prosecutors are reviewing the case details as part of their investigation, and additional charges may follow.
