A Colorado man faces hate crime charges after allegedly attacking a TV reporter in a racially motivated incident.
At a Glance
- Patrick Thomas Egan allegedly assaulted TV reporter Ja’Ronn Alex in Grand Junction, Colorado
- Egan reportedly questioned Alex’s citizenship and shouted, “This is Trump’s America now”
- The suspect followed Alex for 40 miles before attacking him at his workplace
- Egan faces charges of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault, and harassment
- The incident highlights rising concerns about hate crimes against Asian Americans
Alleged Hate Crime Unfolds in Colorado
On December 18, Grand Junction, Colorado became the stage for a disturbing incident that has since garnered national attention. Patrick Thomas Egan, a local taxi driver, allegedly targeted and assaulted Ja’Ronn Alex, a television reporter of Pacific Islander descent, in what authorities are investigating as a hate crime.
The confrontation began when Egan reportedly approached Alex at a stoplight, questioning his citizenship status. According to law enforcement, Egan proclaimed, “This is Trump’s America now,” before following Alex’s vehicle for approximately 40 miles.
The pursuit culminated at Alex’s workplace, where Egan allegedly launched a physical assault on the reporter.
Colorado man facing bias-motivated charges after attacking TV reporter https://t.co/EhpOzIVGE3
— Axios (@axios) December 28, 2024
If this is all accurate, you just know the left are going to try and use it to paint all Trump supporters with a broad brush as they always do.
Surveillance footage captured the alarming scene as Egan reportedly tackled Alex and put him in a chokehold. The attack only ceased when Alex’s coworkers intervened to protect their colleague. This brazen act of violence has shocked the community and raised concerns about the safety of journalists and minorities.
Egan, who was working for Sunshine Rides taxi service at the time, claimed to be a marine protecting the country. However, his actions have been universally condemned, including by his employer. Sunshine Rides swiftly suspended Egan and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement in their investigation.
Legal Consequences and Broader Implications
Following his arrest, Egan was charged with bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault by strangulation, and harassment. His bail was set at $20,000, and he awaits formal charges in court. This case has drawn attention to the broader issue of rising hate crimes, particularly against Asian American communities, which have seen a 16% increase in major U.S. cities in 2023.
“We have a large, diverse, good team of over 150 people serving the community. We’re just disgusted by what this person did, and we condemn it,” General Manager Kelly Milan said.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning Egan’s actions and expressing concern over the rhetoric that may have fueled such behavior. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and minorities in an increasingly polarized society.
