A manufacturing company president in Michigan was recently stabbed by an employee during a staff meeting, raising concerns of a potential “copycat” attack linked to the murder of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, according to Fruitport Township Police.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Anderson Express Incorporated, a Muskegon-based company serving the automotive and defense sectors. The victim, Erik Denslow, was attacked with a knife during a meeting at the company’s office. Police apprehended 32-year-old employee Nathan Mahoney shortly after he fled the scene.
Victim’s condition and arrest details
Denslow is in critical condition but is expected to survive, authorities confirmed. He was reportedly stabbed in the side. Mahoney, who fled in his vehicle, was arrested within 15 minutes.
Mahoney is being held on a $500,000 bond for assault with intent to murder and a $1,000 bond for fleeing police. He was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of assault with intent to murder and evading a police officer, according to reports by the New York Post and People magazine.
Potential link to UnitedHealth CEO’s murder
While no clear motive has been established, authorities are investigating whether Mahoney’s actions were influenced by the recent killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Deputy Police Chief Greg Poulson commented, “I think that comes to everyone’s mind at this time. We’re going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media, and trying to determine a motive for this act.”
Company’s response
Denslow, who has served as Anderson Express Inc.‘s president for less than two years, was promoted within a year of being hired, per his LinkedIn profile. The company issued a statement expressing shock and emphasizing its focus on supporting employees in processing the assault.
Backdrop: UnitedHealth CEO’s killing
The stabbing follows the murder of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly by Luigi Mangione. Thompson was killed while en route to a Manhattan conference. Authorities suspect Mangione’s grievances with the insurance industry as a motive. Mangione was arrested with multiple fake IDs, a US passport, and a manifesto criticizing the healthcare system.
Mangione, believed to have planned the crime since August, was extradited from Pennsylvania to New York City on Thursday.