Grand Junction reporter assaulted by man who shouted ‘It’s Trump’s America now’
KKCO journalist Ja’Ronn Alex was attacked by a man who followed him to the station.
As Alex was returning to the station from a Wednesday story, he noticed a vehicle marked as a Sunshine Rides taxi following him.
The driver, later identified as Patrick Thomas Eganreportedly shouted, “Are you really an American citizen?” It’s Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you! » as he pulled up next to Alex at a red light.
When Alex arrived at the station, Egan allegedly began chasing him as he ran toward the front door, demanding to see Alex’s ID, asking if he was American and repeating that he was a Marine who had taken an oath to defend the country.
Egan then allegedly tackled Alex to the ground and placed him in a headlock, attempting to strangle him. Officers said that’s when several other employees ran out and removed Egan’s arms from around Alex’s neck before tackling him to the ground. Authorities said employees held Egan on the ground until law enforcement arrived.
The attack was filmed by the station’s security camera.
Officers arrested Egan and booked him into the Mesa County Jail. He faces charges of second-degree assault, bias crimes and harassment.
Alex told police he believed Egan followed him because of his Pacific Island ethnicity. According to his KKCO profile, Alex is “a native of Detroit, Michigan, and has resided in various locations throughout the eastern and southern regions of the United States.” In 2023, he successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Clemson University.
