NEW YORK (AP) – A man claiming to be an FBI agent was apprehended while attempting to secure the release of Luigi Mangione from a federal jail in New York City on Wednesday night. Mark Anderson, a 36-year-old from Minnesota with a history of drug-related offenses, has been charged with impersonating a federal officer following this failed attempt. After his arrest, he was also placed in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, where Mangione is being held while awaiting state and federal murder trials related to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Anderson was taken into custody after showing up at the MDC around 6:50 p.m. and asserting that he possessed paperwork "signed by a judge" that authorized Mangione's release. When jail officers requested to see his federal credentials, he produced a Minnesota driver’s license and threw papers at them, alluding to having weapons. A subsequent search of his belongings revealed a barbecue fork and a circular steel blade resembling a small pizza cutter. His actions raised immediate concerns, leading to his arrest.

Previously, Anderson had claimed to suffer from mental illness and had been ruled fully disabled by the Social Security Administration. He has a history of being involved in various legal issues, including numerous arrests over the past two decades in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Court records suggest Anderson moved to New York for a job opportunity that fell through, leaving him living transiently in the city.

Meanwhile, Mangione, who is 27 years old and has drawn significant attention due to his legal challenges, remains in custody as he faces serious charges in connection with Thompson's murder. On December 4, 2024, Thompson was shot while walking to a hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference, and police discovered that phrases like "delay," "deny," and "depose" were written on the ammunition used—a reflection of the tactics employed by insurance companies to avoid paying claims.

In an interesting twist, the Manhattan district attorney’s office had just urged the judge overseeing Mangione's state case to set a trial date for July 1. Mangione is also expected to appear in court soon to determine whether prosecutors can pursue the death penalty against him and what evidence can be presented during the trial. Last week, jury selection for the federal case was scheduled for September 8, with the trial set to proceed in either October or January, depending on the outcome of the death penalty discussion.

Supporters of Mangione have been vocal and visible, donning green attire reminiscent of the character Luigi from the Mario Bros. video game series as a show of solidarity. Many have appeared at his court hearings, carrying signs and wearing shirts with messages such as "Free Luigi" and "No Death For Luigi Mangione."

This unique incident involving Anderson’s misguided attempt to impersonate an FBI agent reflects the ongoing complexities of Mangione's high-profile legal battles. It also underscores the challenges and issues surrounding mental health and the legal system. As the legal proceedings unfold, both Mangione and Anderson remain at the MDC as their respective cases move forward.