GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, has been arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault, and harassment following an incident where he allegedly attacked a television reporter. The assault occurred after Egan demanded to know if the reporter, Ja’Ronn Alex, was a U.S. citizen, saying “This is Trump’s America now,” according to court documents.
Egan, a taxi driver, is accused of following Alex’s vehicle for approximately 40 miles from the Delta area to Grand Junction on December 18, 2023. Alex, a reporter for KKCO/KJCT, believes that he was targeted because of his Pacific Islander background.
When Egan caught up with Alex in Grand Junction, he pulled up next to the reporter’s vehicle at a stoplight and allegedly made a derogatory comment about Alex’s citizenship. Egan reportedly stated: “Are you even a US citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine, and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
After Alex drove back to his news station, Egan followed him, confronting him as he tried to enter the station’s building. Egan allegedly demanded to see Alex’s identification, then tackled the reporter and put him in a headlock, choking him. Coworkers who witnessed the attack rushed to help, and witnesses indicated that Alex appeared to struggle to breathe during the altercation. The attack was partially captured on surveillance video.
Alex, a Detroit native, was in his news vehicle when the incident occurred. KKCO/KJCT has declined to comment further on the attack beyond the reports already shared.
Egan was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault, and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court to determine whether formal charges will be filed. His attorney, Ruth Swift, has not responded to requests for comment.
The incident highlights concerns about the safety of journalists and the prevalence of bias-motivated violence.