A Michigan man allegedly stabbed the president of the company where he works in a possible “copycat” attack of the execution-style killing of UnitedHealth boss Brian Thompson, police said.
Erik Denslow, who runs the Muskegon-based Anderson Express Inc. manufacturing company, was stabbed during a staff meeting in the firm’s office on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Fruitport Township Police Department.
Law enforcement officials did not name Denslow as the victim, but his identity was later reported by local news outlets News 8 and Fox 17. He is listed in critical condition after being hospitalized, though police say he is expected to survive.
Nathan Mahoney, a 32-year-old employee of the firm, was taken into custody. He was identified by local media outlets that cited police and court documents.
Deputy Police Chief Greg Poulson told News 8 that no motive has been established as of yet, though investigators are not ruling out the possibility that this was a “copycat” of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, 50, in Manhattan on Dec. 4.
“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,” Poulson told the outlet.
Mahoney was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of assault with intent to murder and fleeing a police officer, according to People magazine.
He is being held on $500,000 bond and $1,000 bond for the charges, respectively.
According to investigators, Denslow was stabbed “in the side with a knife.” The suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle, police said.
Officers apprehended the suspect about 15 minutes after the stabbing.
Mahoney’s co-workers told police that he had a “quiet demeanor” at work.
Denslow has been president of Anderson Express Inc. for less than two years. Within a year of his hiring, he was promoted to president, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The company, which works with the automotive and defense sectors, released a statement saying it was “in shock” over the incident.
Company executives said they “are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault.”
The Post has sought comment from Anderson Express Inc. and Mahoney.
Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of Thompson, is believed to have plotted the assassination as far back as August.
Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania to New York City on Thursday. He was due to appear in federal court.