Peter Mangione Signs with Brooklyn FC

Peter Mangione, a 24-year-old midfielder, is set to continue his soccer career with Brooklyn FC in the USL Championship. Interestingly, this new chapter comes just a short distance from where his cousin, Luigi Mangione, is being held in connection with the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Hailing from Hunt Valley, Maryland, Peter has an impressive track record. He played for Penn State, where he scored 31 goals throughout his college career and earned the title of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year twice, in 2021 and 2023.

During his time at Penn State, former coach Jeff Cook recognized Mangione’s significant contributions both on and off the field. He was even named co-captain for the 2021 season.

Recently, Peter spent two seasons with FC Cincinnati II, which competes in the MLS Next amateur league. Last year, he participated in 28 games, contributing two goals and five assists.

Brooklyn FC expressed their enthusiasm about signing him, noting that he brings a well-rounded midfield presence capable of influencing games effectively.

The team’s debut in the USL Championship is scheduled for March 8, facing Indy Eleven at Maimonides Park in Coney Island. This location is about nine miles from the Metropolitan Detention Center, where Peter’s cousin Luigi is currently detained.

Luigi Mangione, now 27, has been accused of the murder of Brian Thompson, which occurred during an investor meeting in midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024. Following a five-day manhunt, he was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

A recent ruling by Judge Margaret Garnett will allow an evidentiary hearing to evaluate whether Luigi’s backpack was lawfully searched upon his arrest. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is pushing for the death penalty, a significant move considering it would mark the first federal execution in Manhattan in over seven decades.

While Luigi’s attorneys are working hard to contest the death penalty, they’ve argued that the media portrayal of the case is akin to a “Marvel-esque” narrative, which might sway potential jurors. They pointed out how the arrest was conducted, likening it to a hostage scenario with SWAT teams and cameras capturing the moment.

Though the terrorism charges were dropped in September, Luigi is still facing various serious charges in federal and state courts, including murder and illegal possession of a firearm. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.