A Colorado man reportedly invoked president-elect Donald Trump in an attack last week, accused of shouting, “this is Trump’s America, now” while attempting to strangle Ja’Ronn Alex over the reporter’s citizenship status.

On December 18th, Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested  in Grand Junction, Colorado after police say he followed the local TV reporter’s vehicle for approximately 40 miles. The Associated Press reported Friday that Alex told law enforcement he believes Egan attacked him because he’s Pacific Islander.

Alex claims that Egan, who was driving a taxi, pulled up to his car at a stoplight and started berating him by asking “Are you even a U.S. citizen?”

The affidavit outlines Egan shouting: “This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”

Per the AP, Alex claims Egan chased him after he got out of his vehicle and demanded to see his identification. An affidavit explaining the charges then claims Egan tackled Alex, put the reporter in a headlock and “began to strangle him.”

The AP notes that witnesses reported Alex appeared to be losing his ability to breathe while being attacked. Some of the events were reportedly captured on surveillance video:

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.

KKCO reached out to the taxi company Egan was driving for and obtained a statement from the general manager.

“This type of behavior has no place in our society and I strongly condemn it. I deeply regret the harm and disruption this has caused the victim, his family and co-workers. Sunshine Rides has suspended Egan pending a full investigation, will assist law enforcement and will use this incident to re-emphasize our core values and expectations with our entire team.”

Egan could face second degree assault and harassment charges in the arrest for suspected “bias motivated” crime for the apparent anti-immigration attack, and is set to appear in court next week.

The post ‘This is Trump’s America!’ CO Man Arrested for Allegedly Strangling Reporter, Demanding to Know Citizenship Status first appeared on Mediaite.

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