Fake FBI Agent Tries to Free Accused Assassin with Pizza Cutter

Minnesota man arrested after allegedly posing as federal agent to break Luigi Mangione out of jail

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A Minnesota man has been arrested after he reportedly entered a federal lockup posing as an FBI agent and wielding a pizza cutter, claiming he had paperwork to free accused assassin Luigi Mangione.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by correctional facilities in preventing unauthorized access and potential escape attempts, especially by individuals impersonating law enforcement officials.

The details

According to authorities, the suspect, whose identity has not been released, entered the federal prison under the guise of being an FBI agent and presented what he claimed were official documents authorizing Mangione's release. However, when the prison staff became suspicious and confronted the man, he allegedly brandished a pizza cutter as a weapon before being apprehended.

  • The incident occurred on January 29, 2026.

The players

Luigi Mangione

An accused assassin currently incarcerated in the federal prison.

Minnesota man

The suspect who allegedly posed as an FBI agent and attempted to free Mangione from prison.

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What they’re saying

“This was a brazen attempt to breach the security of a federal correctional facility and free a dangerous individual. We take these types of incidents very seriously and will work to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable.”

— Spokesperson, Federal Bureau of Prisons

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the incident and the suspect's motives, and will likely face charges related to impersonating a federal agent and attempted prison break.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust security measures and vigilance in correctional facilities to prevent unauthorized access and potential escape attempts, even by those posing as law enforcement officials.