A Colorado man, Patrick Thomas Egan, is facing multiple charges after allegedly attacking a TV news reporter in what police describe as a bias-motivated crime. The incident highlights growing hostility towards journalists in the U.S. amidst a politically charged environment.
Egan, 39, was arrested on December 18 in Grand Junction on suspicion of second-degree assault, harassment, and a bias-motivated offense. The victim, reporter Ja’Ronn Alex of KKCO/KJCT, told authorities he believed he was targeted due to his Pacific Islander heritage.
According to the arrest affidavit, Egan arrived at the scene in a taxi and confronted Alex at a stoplight, demanding to know if he was a U.S. citizen. Egan reportedly shouted, “This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine, and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
The situation escalated when Egan tackled Alex, placing him in a headlock and allegedly strangling him. Witnesses, including Alex’s coworkers, intervened and later told police they saw him struggling to breathe. Surveillance footage captured the attack.
Egan is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, when prosecutors will determine whether to proceed with formal charges. The case has raised concerns about escalating threats against journalists and minority groups, particularly in the context of divisive political rhetoric.
The attack comes amid rising tensions in the U.S. media landscape. Former President Donald Trump, who secured a second term in the November election, has a history of labeling journalists as the "enemy of the people" and using inflammatory language to describe the press.
The Freedom of the Press Foundation reported a 70% increase in assaults on journalists this year, with 75 attacks recorded since January. A survey by the International Women’s Media Foundation revealed that 36% of journalists had experienced physical violence or threats, underscoring the risks faced by media professionals.
Despite these figures, public opinion on press freedom remains polarized. A City University of London study found that 23% of Americans do not view political attacks on journalists as a threat, with Republicans more likely than Democrats to dismiss such concerns.
Egan’s case has reignited debates about press freedom and safety in an increasingly hostile political climate. Advocacy groups have called for stronger protections for journalists and measures to address bias-motivated crimes.
Alex has not publicly commented on the incident but has received support from media organizations and colleagues who emphasize the importance of press freedom and safety in a functioning democracy.
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