Colorado man accused of attacking TV reporter, saying ‘This is Trump’s America now’
A Colorado man is facing possible bias-motivated charges for allegedly attacking a television news reporter after demanding to know whether he was a citizen, saying ‘This is Trump’s America now,’ according to court documents.
Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested on Dec. 18 in Grand Junction, Colorado, after allegedly following KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja’Ronn Alex’s vehicle for about 40 miles. Alex reported feeling targeted and attacked due to his Pacific Islander heritage.
Incident Details
Upon reaching Grand Junction, Egan, driving a taxi, confronted Alex at a stoplight, questioning his citizenship and invoking Trump’s America, claiming to be a Marine protecting the country.
After trailing Alex back to his news station, Egan pursued him, demanding identification, eventually assaulting him. Colleagues intervened as Egan restrained and choked Alex, causing breathing difficulties, captured by surveillance footage.
Legal Action
Egan faces charges of bias-motivated crimes, assault, and harassment. His lawyer, Ruth Swift, is yet to comment, while the news station’s management refrains from further statements.
A Detroit native, Alex was on duty in a news vehicle during the incident.
Legal proceedings are ongoing to determine formal charges against Egan, scheduled for a court appearance soon.
Stay updated with the latest developments on this distressing event that underscores societal challenges.
