Employee stabs Michigan company president in possible 'copycat' of Brian Thompson attack

Muri Assunção, New York Daily News on Dec 19, 2024

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The president of a Michigan-based manufacturing company was stabbed by one of his employees during a staff meeting earlier this week, in what authorities described as a possible “copycat” of the attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Nathan Joseph Mahoney, 31, is accused of stabbing the president of Anderson Express Inc. in their Muskegon office just before 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Fruitport Township Police Department said in a news release.

The victim, Erik Denslow, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery. His condition was listed as “serious but stable” on Wednesday.

Fellow employees described Mahoney as “having a quiet demeanor,” authorities said, adding that investigators have not established a motive.

The incident comes just weeks after the slaying of Thompson, who was fatally shot outside a Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, where he was expected to attend an investor’s meeting.

On Wednesday, Fruitport Township police said investigators were looking into the possibility that this week’s stabbing could have been inspired by the New York City shooting.

“We haven’t ruled out copycat motive in regards to this,” Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told local television station WOOD. “I think that comes to everyone’s mind in this time. We’re going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media and trying to determine a motive for this act.”

Investigators say Mahoney was a recent hire who was being trained to replace a retiring employee. He was among several employees present at Tuesday’s meeting.

According to police, Mahoney got up in the middle of the meeting and left the room. When he came back about 10 minutes later, he walked over to Denslow and stabbed him “in the side with a knife.”

After the alleged incident, “the suspect ran from the business, entered his vehicle and fled the scene.” He was arrested approximately 15 minutes later, police said.

Mahoney is charged with attempted murder and fleeing and eluding, MiLive reported. He’s expected back in court on Dec. 26 for a probable cause conference.

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