By Y.M. Lowy

An unusual incident was reported today at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, the federal prison located just minutes from Boro Park.

According to federal authorities, a 36-year-old man arrived at the jail earlier today claiming to be an FBI agent and attempted to secure the release of an inmate. The man allegedly told staff that he had a court order to free a detainee and insisted he was acting in an official capacity.

When detention officers asked for proper identification, the man reportedly produced a Minnesota driver’s license instead of federal credentials. During further questioning, he told staff that he had weapons in his bag. A search reportedly turned up a barbecue fork and a circular metal blade similar to a pizza cutter.

The man was immediately detained and later arrested inside the facility. Authorities say he is now facing federal charges for impersonating a law enforcement officer.

The inmate he was allegedly trying to free is Luigi Mangione, who is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial in connection with the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. Mangione is facing serious charges in both state and federal court.

Officials emphasized that there was no breach of security and no danger to the public. The suspect is expected to appear in Brooklyn federal court, where the charges against him will be formally addressed.