A 40-year-old Marine veteran in Colorado has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged hate-fueled attack on a TV reporter, which included demands about the reporter’s citizenship and declarations like, “This is Trump’s America now!”
Patrick Egan formally entered his plea Tuesday to charges of second-degree assault, bias-motivated crime, and harassment for allegedly attacking Ja’Ronn Alex, a Pacific Islander journalist with KKCO News.
Egan’s public defender, Ruth Swift, said he intends to take the case to trial in early 2026. Court records show a five-day jury trial is set to begin January 12, 2026, in front of 21st Judicial District Judge Jennilynn Lawrence.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The incident occurred on December 18, 2024, when Egan—working as a driver for Sunshine Rides—allegedly followed Alex for nearly 40 miles before confronting him outside the news station where he works.
According to police reports and a probable cause affidavit, Egan tackled and choked Alex, demanding to see his ID and shouting:
“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 was reportedly returning from a reporting assignment, told investigators he believed the attack was racially motivated. Surveillance footage captured part of the incident, and Alex’s coworkers intervened to help restrain Egan.
Judge’s Warning and Mental Health Concerns
At a previous hearing in January, Judge Lawrence addressed Egan sternly, criticizing the nature of the attack.
“When you are in your right mind, you would know these are not the types of behaviors we would expect of Marines,” she said. “And similarly, they are not the types of behaviors we can have in the community.”
Egan remains free on bond. His attorney noted that he has struggled with mental health issues for over a decade and assured the court he is receiving treatment.
He is next due in court for a motions hearing on December 1.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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