https://www.woodtv.com/news/muskegon-county/police-look-for-motive-in-stabbing-of-company-president/
Police look for motive in stabbing of company president
by: Byron Tollefson
Posted: Dec 18, 2024 / 03:45 PM EST
Updated: Dec 18, 2024 / 06:11 PM EST
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Questions remain as to why an employee stabbed his company president during a staff meeting at a Muskegon-area manufacturer Tuesday morning.
Fruitport Township police acknowledged it’s possible the attack could be inspired by the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City.
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“We haven’t ruled out copycat motive in regards to this,” Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told News 8 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.”
The killing of Thompson has given rise to other threats against CEOs.
“It seems to be the popular thing in this day and age,” Poulson said.
Police confirmed Wednesday the suspect is Nathan Mahoney, a 32-year-old from Walker.
Around 9 a.m. Tuesday, several staff members gathered for a meeting at Anderson Express Inc. on South Mill Iron Road. In the middle of it, police say Mahoney got up and left. When he came back 10 minutes later, police say he walked over to the president of the company and stabbed him in the side.
Police: Employee stabs company president during meeting
Mahoney left the building in his vehicle before authorities later took him into custody. He was arraigned Wednesday morning on a charge of assault with intent to murder. The court reportedly set bond at 10% cash/surety of $500,000.
The company president was hospitalized and went through surgery. He is expected to recover.
Mahoney had only worked for the manufacturing company for two weeks and was being trained to replace a retiring employee at a high position in the company, police said. Employees told police that Mahoney was quiet.
Police are combing through video recordings at the scene and ask the public to contact them at 231.865.8477 or Silent Observer at 231.722.7463 with any tips.
