On December 18, 2024, Patrick Thomas Egan, a 39-year-old Colorado man, allegedly attacked TV news reporter Ja’Ronn Alex after questioning his citizenship and saying, “This is Trump’s America now.” Egan followed Alex for about 40 miles from Delta to Grand Junction before confronting him at a stoplight. Egan, who was driving a taxi, reportedly asked Alex if he was a U.S. citizen and claimed he was protecting the country from people like him.

After the initial confrontation, Alex drove back to his news station, where the apparent Trump supporter continued to pursue him. When Alex exited his vehicle and ran towards the station’s door, Egan chased him, demanding identification. Egan then tackled Alex, put him in a headlock, and began to strangle him. Coworkers and witnesses intervened, and the incident was partially recorded on surveillance video.

Egan was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault, and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court to determine formal charges. The attack has raised concerns about the impact of political rhetoric on violence and discrimination, as Alex, a Detroit native, believes he was targeted because he is Pacific Islander.