Colorado – A Colorado man allegedly invoked the phrase “This is Trump’s America now” during an attack on a local TV reporter last week. Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested in Grand Junction on December 18 after reportedly targeting Ja’Ronn Alex over his citizenship status.
Incident Details
According to the Associated Press, Egan followed Alex’s vehicle for approximately 40 miles before the confrontation occurred. Alex, who is Pacific Islander, told law enforcement he believes the attack was racially motivated.
Egan, who was driving a taxi at the time, allegedly approached Alex at a stoplight and began hurling insults, questioning his citizenship and shouting, “Are you even a U.S. citizen?”
The affidavit states that Egan declared, “This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine, and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
The situation escalated when Alex exited his vehicle, prompting Egan to demand identification. Egan then reportedly tackled Alex, placed him in a headlock, and began strangling him.
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Witness Accounts and Surveillance Footage
Witnesses reported that Alex appeared to lose his ability to breathe during the attack. Parts of the incident were reportedly captured on surveillance video.
Legal Proceedings
Egan faces potential charges of second-degree assault and harassment, with the attack being investigated as a “bias-motivated” crime. He is scheduled to appear in court next week.
Response from the Taxi Company
KKCO, a local news outlet, contacted the taxi company Egan worked for and obtained a statement from the general manager regarding the incident.
This disturbing case has raised concerns about racially motivated violence and the implications of political rhetoric in fueling such behavior.
