Man Accused of Attacking Reporter, Saying ‘This Is Trump’s America Now’

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What's New A Colorado man has been charged with bias-motivated crimes and assault after allegedly attacking a reporter, accusing him of not being a U.S. citizen, while shouting, "This is Trump's America now," according to court documents.

Patrick Egan, 39, is accused of assaulting reporter Ja'Ronn Alex, a Pacific Islander from Detroit. Egan is being held on a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025.

Newsweek has contacted KKCO 11, the television station which Alex works for, via email, and Egan's lawyer Ruth Swift via online form for comment.

Mug shot of Patrick Egan in Mesa County, Colorado, on December 18, 2024. Egan has been charged with bias-motivated crimes and assault after allegedly attacking a reporter, accusing him of not being a U.S. citizen... Mug shot of Patrick Egan in Mesa County, Colorado, on December 18, 2024. Egan has been charged with bias-motivated crimes and assault after allegedly attacking a reporter, accusing him of not being a U.S. citizen while shouting, "This is Trump's America now." More Mesa County Sheriff's Office Why It Matters The incident may suggest that the president-elect's hard-line anti-immigrant messaging may embolden some people to engage in violence against non-white suspected immigrants, although Trump has never encouraged or condoned violence of any kind.

It also occurs amid a broader debate within the MAGA movement about immigration and work visas, with Trump supporters recently debating whether H1-B visas for foreign workers should be extended or reduced.

What To Know Egan, driving a taxi, allegedly followed Alex's vehicle for approximately 40 miles on December 18, shouting at him from a stoplight something to the effect of, "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!" per The Associated Press, citing the arrest affidavit.

Egan tailed Alex to the news station in Grand Junction, Colorado. Upon arrival, Alex exited his vehicle and attempted to enter the building, but Egan chased him, demanding identification and then tackling him to the ground.

Witnesses and coworkers intervened as Egan placed Alex in a headlock, causing him to struggle to breathe; the attack was partially captured on surveillance footage.

Police arrested Egan on charges of second-degree assault, bias-motivated crimes, and harassment by following and ethnic intimidation.

Sunshine Rides, the taxi company where Egan was employed, has suspended him and pledged to assist law enforcement, condemning the incident as unacceptable and harmful.

On the day of the incident, Egan posted an image of himself to his Facebook profile, garnering 143 comments, mostly criticizing him for allegedly assaulting the reporter.

One user wrote, "All the misery in your life is obviously the fault of some 22-year-old TV reporter." Another wrote, "What kind of loser commits an unprovoked attack like Patrick did? A very stupid and racist one."

What People Are Saying Kelly Millan, general manager of Sunshine Rides, to KKCO 11: "This type of behavior has no place in our society and I strongly condemn it. I deeply regret the harm and disruption this has caused the victim, his family and co-workers. Sunshine Rides has suspended Egan pending a full investigation, will assist law enforcement and will use this incident to reemphasize our core values and expectations with our entire team."

Social media users: Reactions ranged from outrage at Egan's actions to comments condemning him as "racist" and a "disgrace to the military veteran community."

What Happens Next Egan is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025.

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