A man described as a “super Trump supporter” has been arrested in Colorado for allegedly assaulting a TV news reporter, telling him, “This is Trump’s America now.” The attack is raising concerns that Trump supporters may begin targeting perceived enemies of the president-elect, including members of the media.
Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was taken into custody on December 18 in Grand Junction after following KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja’Ronn Alex for nearly 40 miles. Alex, who is Pacific Islander, believes he was targeted because of his ethnicity.
According to court documents, Egan, a taxi driver, pulled up next to Alex at a stoplight in Grand Junction. Egan reportedly 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!”
After the confrontation, Alex drove to his station, hoping to escape. But Egan followed him and tackled Alex outside the building, placing him in a headlock and choking him. Witnesses and coworkers said Alex appeared to be struggling to breathe, and parts of the attack were captured on surveillance video.
Egan faces charges of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault, and harassment, NBC News reports. He is scheduled to appear in court to find out whether formal charges will be filed.
Alex, originally from Detroit, was driving a news vehicle at the time. KKCO/KJCT has reported the assault, but the station has not commented further.
The attack has sparked concerns that that violence toward the media and others perceived as “enemies” of Trump could increase in the coming years of his administration. Many worry that supporters of the president-elect may feel emboldened to act on such hostility, especially toward journalists.
