Man arrested after allegedly trying to free Luigi Mangione from Brooklyn lockup

Someone allegedly tried to help Luigi Mangione make a break for it.

On Wednesday evening, 36-year-old Mark Anderson arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center, where Mangione is detained, and falsely claimed he was an FBI agent with paperwork signed by a judge that authorized the release of a specific MDC detainee, charging papers say.

That detainee, according to a law enforcement source, was 27-year-old Luigi Mangione, who stands accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan in late 2024.

The contents of Mark Anderson’s backpack when he allegedly tried to help Luigi Mangione escape from jail.Photo via U.S. District Court

When asked for credentials, Anderson presented a Minnesota driver’s license and then said he had weapons on him. In his backpack were a large barbecue fork and pizza cutter, according to court documents.

The Minnesota man had traveled to New York City for a job opportunity that didn’t pan out and has since been working at Louie & Ernie’s Pizza in Pelham Bay, the law enforcement source said.

Anderson, who was then arrested himself and charged with impersonating a U.S. government officer, appeared in front of a federal judge in Brooklyn Thursday afternoon. He did not enter a plea.

His request to be released pending trial was denied after prosecutors cited an arrest record that has included, in recent months, brandishing weapons in the Bronx and failing to appear in court, and previous convictions for aggravated robbery, burglary, narcotics, bail jumping, driving under the influence and resisting arrest.

Michael Weil, Anderson’s public defender, argued that his client should not be detained, but escorted to a hospital to be evaluated.

“This does not appear to have been a serious attempt to spring a federal inmate,” Weil said. “Mr. Anderson has other problems that need treatment and evaluation.”

Anderson did not present a bond package and had no possible suretor, Weil said.

“He’s very alone in this world,” Weil said. “He wasn’t raised by his family; he was in the system from the age of 13.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge Taryn Merkl said she respected Weil’s argument but wasn’t inclined to let his client go.

“We need a more concrete plan,” U.S. Magistrate Judge Taryn Merkl said. “Releasing him on his own signature is not an option on this record.”

Anderson, who wore a gray quarter-zip sweater, appeared animated while speaking with his attorney during the hearing. Toward the end of the proceeding, Weil relayed Anderson’s request to seal the record in his case, which Merkl denied. Then, after some back and forth with Weil, Anderson himself addressed the judge.

“Your Honor, I’m asking specifically that the body camera footage be sealed … for my own political hardship or personal benefit,” Anderson said.

Merkl informed Anderson that the potential evidence he was referencing from his arrest was not before her at this time.

Anderson will be detained at MDC, the same facility from which he allegedly tried to free Mangione. He is set to appear in court again in mid-February.