A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to impersonate a federal law enforcement officer to secure the release of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, authorities said.
Court records show that Mark Anderson, 36, was taken into custody after arriving at the Metropolitan Detention Center and identifying himself as an FBI agent. Jail staff asked Anderson to present official credentials, but he was unable to do so and instead produced a driver’s license, according to the criminal complaint.
Anderson allegedly told detention officers that he was carrying documents approved by a judge authorizing the release of a specific inmate. The complaint did not name the prisoner, but a judicial source later confirmed the inmate was Mangione. During the encounter, Anderson also claimed to be armed, prompting further inspection by staff.
Authorities said a search of Anderson’s backpack uncovered a large barbecue fork and a circular steel blade resembling a pizza cutter. He was immediately detained and later charged in connection with the incident.
Mangione, 27, is facing both federal and state charges stemming from the December 2024 shooting death of Thompson, an attack that was captured on surveillance video and drew widespread public attention. He has entered not guilty pleas in both cases and remains in custody.
Federal court proceedings against Mangione are scheduled to begin with jury selection on September 8, while a trial date for the state case has yet to be announced.
