Colorado Man Charged with Hate Crime After Attacking TV Reporter

The suspect allegedly targeted a Pacific Islander journalist, questioning his citizenship and invoking 'Trump's America.'

Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested on December 18 in Grand Junction, Colorado, for allegedly attacking reporter Ja'Ronn Alex after following him for 40 miles.
Egan reportedly confronted Alex, a Pacific Islander from Detroit, questioning his citizenship and shouting, 'This is Trump's America now!' according to court documents.
Police say Egan tackled Alex outside his newsroom, put him in a headlock, and began to strangle him before coworkers intervened; the incident was partially captured on surveillance footage.
Egan faces charges including second-degree assault, bias-motivated crimes, and harassment, with a court appearance scheduled for January 2, 2025.
The attack highlights ongoing concerns about rising hate crimes in the U.S., particularly against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.