The Colorado TV reporter told police that he believed he had been followed by the man because he is Pacific Islander.A Colorado man is facing possible bias-motivated charges for allegedly attacking a television news reporter after demanding to know whether he was a citizen, saying “This is Trump’s America now,” according to court documents.
Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested Dec. 18 in Grand Junction, Colorado, after police say he followed KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja’Ronn Alex’s vehicle for around 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the Delta area. Alex told police that he believed he had been followed and attacked because he is Pacific Islander.
After arriving in Grand Junction, Egan, who was driving a taxi, pulled up next to Alex at a stoplight and, according to an arrest affidavit, said something to the effect of: “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
Alex, who had been out reporting, then drove back to his news station in the city. After he got out of his vehicle, Egan chased Alex as he ran toward the station’s door and demanded to see his identification, according to the document laying out police’s evidence in the case. Egan then tackled Alex, put him in a headlock and “began to strangle him,” the affidavit said. Coworkers who ran out to help and witnesses told police that Alex appeared to be losing his ability to breathe during the attack, which was partially captured on surveillance video, according to the document.
According to the station’s website, Alex is a native of Detroit. KKCO/KJCT reported that he was driving a news vehicle at the time.
Egan was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second degree assault and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to learn whether prosecutors have filed formal charges against him.
Egan’s lawyer, Ruth Swift, was out of the office Friday and did not return a telephone message seeking comment.
Colorado Man Accused Of Attacking Reporter, Saying ‘This Is Trump’s America Now’
Scottie's Playtime 
There are a couple of disturbing flags flying right here in town, that say: Trump 2024: The Rules Have Changed.
It’s unsettling, because it’s such a broad phrase, and what happened in the article posted here is what I was concerned with people thinking they have impunity for their actions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ali. I don’t know about your situation, but I got my eyes opened recently. During hurricane Ian the man a few homes up from us who had a “Let’s Go Brandon” flag flying at his house in violation of the rules. During the aftermath of the hurricane while he and his neighbors seemed welcoming he but signs up warning people not to steal. When a woman next door to us got arrested he broke into her car looking for evidence of her crimes he thought she committed. I will be fair she was stealing stuff. We caught her sneaking around our golf cart one night and chased her back to the neighbor’s home she was living in. Plus they were selling drugs. But I had it on good authority that the man with the banner had very anti-gay friends. So we avoided them other than saying hello when we talked to them when meeting while walking.
So imagine our surprise when on a walk walking by their new home in the park that they bought and were remodeling, that they grabbed us and begged us to come in and see their new home and the work they did. I was gobsmacked. They gave us a grand tour and offered to help us, gave Ron some tips, and were exceedingly friendly. But I said to myself a couple of their friends I saw with them during the hurricane were very anti-gay. How does this fit? I had to readjust my feelings about them as they clearly wanted us to be more in touch and in their lives.
So I was surprised at their good will. I also had to face my own bigotry towards them based on who hung out with them during the hurricane aftermath. I hope your situation is not as bad as it seems. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s just weird. It’s like I wrote over on Jill’s blog-most of the people would do anyone a good turn, but they don’t know how to vote. But there are some real jerky a—-les, too. Some of them don’t support Trump, they’re just buttsy. I guess we’re just going to have to see how it all pans out. My plan is to get along with everyone I can, and avoid those with whom I can’t. Like you and Ron when you went to see that house. I think maybe sometimes people get caught up in something, then it wears off, and maybe something good happens for them and their attitude changes. Or something. Maybe they don’t take things as seriously as we do. Or maybe they put on a show now and then for someone who’s around so they don’t get bullied, too. It’s hard to know.
What I do know is, we here would not walk away from someone who needs help, even if they have a “F— Your Feelings” t-shirt on. I can admit, though, it would please me no end to have to rip that shirt to make a sling or a bandage or something, as long as the person isn’t too badly hurt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you are good and safe Ali. I tend to worry about my friend in red states as I see how parts of Florida is. It is very threatening now to anyone not following the maga rules and bigotry. As for what you wrote about helping people, the best way to show people the way to the accepting side is to help them when they are in need. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Ali. I forgot to mention that there is more thin blue lives flags and more division in the park. But as Ron and I don’t interact with the community more than our morning walks and saying hello to other walkers. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s begun. He isn’t even in office yet and his brownshirts are quite happily trying to destroy the very thing that made America great…our immigration system. ..and the hope of a better life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Suze. Yes that seems to be the goal to wreck and destroy everything to make more profit and money for themselves no matter what the cost to the country or the people. It is sad the amount of damage they will do. We only need to look at a few of his cabinet picks and how unqualified they are with the only requirements being sucking up to tRump and be white supremacist anti-LGBTQ+ misogynist asshole. Oh I forgot in the departments handling the money they had to be very rich and agree to kill the lower incomes to give more money to themselves. Hugs
LikeLiked by 2 people