Michigan Man Accused of Stabbing Boss in 'Copycat' CEO Attack

Authorities are searching for answers after a company president was violently attacked at his workplace in Michigan.

According to News 8, the incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. Tuesday at Anderson Express Inc., a Muskegon-based manufacturer that works with the automotive and defense industries.

The Fruitport Township Police Department said a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Nathan Mahoney, allegedly stabbed company president Erik Denslow during a staff meeting. The man reportedly rushed out of the building shortly after and fled the scene in a vehicle. Mahoney was stopped by police and taken into custody about 15 minutes after the stabbing.

Denslow reportedly underwent surgery to treat his injuries and remains in stable condition. On Wednesday, Anderson Express spokesperson Mary Ann Sabo shared a statement regarding the incident to FOX 17.

“We remain in shock over the incident that happened at our plant yesterday,” she wrote. “Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery. We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault. We appreciate the swift actions of local law enforcement and will continue to cooperate with their investigation.”

Outlets report Mahoney had only been working for the company for about two weeks and was training to replace a high-ranking employee approaching retirement. He has since been charged with intent to murder and fleeing a police officer.

Local authorities said they’re still investigating the attack, which may have been inspired by the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

“We haven’t ruled out copycat motive in regards to this,” Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told News 8 on Wednesday. “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.”

Thompson was gunned down on December 4 outside a Manhattan hotel. The shooting sparked a five-day manhunt, which led to the arrest of Luigi Mangione. The suspected gunman was taken into custody at Pennsylvania McDonald’s and was allegedly found with a ghost gun, fake IDs, cash, and a notebook that “contained several handwritten pages that express[ed] hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular."

Mangione is now facing state murder and terrorism charges in connection to Thompson’s killing.