A man identified as Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, has been arrested after attacking a reporter from the KKCO/KJCT network while shouting “This is now Trump’s America” and demanding to know if he was a US citizen.
The incident occurred on December 18 in the town of Grand Junction, Colorado, after chasing reporter Ja’Ronn Alex –born in Detroit– first in his car and then on foot, according to a statement from the Grand Junction Police Department.
Egan attacked Alex and tried to strangle him, but other passersby intervened and held him until the police arrived. He was arrested and taken to the Mesa County Detention Center. He is charged with hate crimes, second-degree assault and harassment.
“The Grand Junction Police Department is considering this an isolated incident that does not pose a significant threat to the community,” police said, urging “anyone who feels they are in danger” to call 911 immediately.
According to local media, Egan stopped next to Alex’s press vehicle at a traffic light and asked him: “Are you even an American citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I’m sworn to protect this country from people like you!”
The attack took place in front of the television network’s headquarters and was recorded on video, according to police documentation.
