A man in Colorado is facing serious charges after allegedly attacking a television news reporter while demanding to know if he was a U.S. citizen. According to police, Patrick Egan, 39, confronted Ja’Ronn Alex, a reporter in Grand Junction, shouting statements like, “This is Trump’s America now!” and claiming, “I’m a Marine, and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
The incident reportedly took place on December 18 when Egan, who was driving a taxi for a local company called Sunshine Rides, followed Alex for nearly 40 miles to the media station where he worked. Once there, Egan allegedly tackled and tried to strangle Alex. Several of Alex’s coworkers intervened to help him and restrain Egan until authorities arrived.
According to the arrest affidavit, Egan confronted Alex, who is of Pacific Islander descent, asking him, “Are you even a U.S. citizen?” before launching into the attack. Alex believes the incident was racially motivated, and police have charged Egan with felony bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault by strangulation, and ethnic intimidation. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of harassment by following.
The company Egan worked for, Sunshine Rides, has since suspended him. Their general manager, Kelly Millan, issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing regret for the harm caused to Alex and his family. Millan assured the public that Sunshine Rides would cooperate fully with law enforcement and use the incident as an opportunity to reinforce their values with staff.
Alex, originally from Detroit, Michigan, is a recent graduate of Clemson University and has lived in several parts of the United States. He told investigators he was out working before heading back to the media station, where the attack occurred. Surveillance footage reportedly captured part of the incident.
Egan, who is currently out on bond, is scheduled to appear in court on January 2 to face charges. Meanwhile, the local community and Alex’s colleagues have expressed support for the reporter, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in society.
