
DENVER — A Colorado man is facing possible bias-motivated charges for allegedly attacking a television reporter after questioning his citizenship and declaring, “This is Trump’s America now,” according to court documents.
Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested on Dec. 18 in Grand Junction. Police say Egan followed KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja’Ronn Alex’s news vehicle for approximately 40 miles from Delta to Grand Junction. Alex, who is of Pacific Islander descent, told authorities he believed the attack was racially motivated.
According to the arrest affidavit, Egan, a taxi driver, pulled up to Alex at a stoplight and said, “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
When Alex drove to his station, Egan reportedly followed him, chased him toward the building, and demanded to see his identification. Egan then tackled Alex, placed him in a headlock, and began to strangle him. Witnesses and coworkers intervened, noting that Alex appeared to be losing consciousness during the attack, which was partially captured on surveillance video.
Alex, a Detroit native, was driving a marked news vehicle at the time.
Egan was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault, and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to determine whether formal charges will be filed.
Egan’s lawyer, Ruth Swift, was unavailable for comment. KKCO/KJCT has stated that Alex is recovering but shaken by the incident.