Colorado man invokes Trump after conducting racially motivated attack

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
29 Dec 2024 14:50

A man from Colorado has been arrested after chasing down a reporter in what is perceived as a racially motivated attack.

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Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump walk on stage at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, on November 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP)

A Colorado man is facing possible bias-motivated charges after assaulting a television reporter, asking whether he was a US citizen, while saying "This is Trump's America now."

Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested on December 18 in Grand Junction, Colorado. According to a police report, Egan followed KKCO/KJCT's reporter Ja’Ronn Alex’s vehicle for around 40 miles until both arrived in Grand Junction.

Alex, who is of Pacific Islander descent and a Detroit native, told authorities he believed the incident was racially motivated.

Upon reaching Grand Junction, Egan, who was driving a taxi, stopped alongside Alex at a traffic light and asked "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!"

Alex, who had been on a reporting assignment, returned to his news station after the encounter. As Alex exited his vehicle, Egan reportedly chased him toward the station’s entrance, demanding to see his identification. Egan then reportedly tackled Alex, put him in a headlock, and began choking him.

Witnesses and coworkers rushed to intervene, later telling police that Alex appeared to struggle for air during the attack, which was partially captured on surveillance footage.

Egan was then arrested on charges of possible bias-motivated crimes and second-degree harassment and assault.

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