GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CN) - A Colorado judge found a man charged with assaulting a local reporter in the name of "Trump's America" restored to competency on Tuesday and able to proceed to a new trial, six weeks after declaring a mistrial in part because he appeared amused when reviewing footage of the attack.
"I will make the finding that based on the evaluation presented, Mr. Egan is competent to proceed with the matters," said 21st Judicial District Judge Jennilynn Lawrence.
On Dec. 18, 2024, police say Patrick Egan pursued KKCO News reporter Ja'Ronn Alex roughly 40 miles from Delta, Colorado, to the Western Slope city of Grand Junction. At a red light, the 39-year-old Egan pulled up alongside Alex, according to law enforcement, and shouted, "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 is of Pacific Islander descent, returned to the news station where Egan blocked his escape, put him in a headlock and strangled him, according to witnesses.
Police charged Egan with second-degree assault, bias-motivated crime and harassment. The Marine veteran pleaded not guilty in August 2025 after his public defenders had requested several arraignment delays to consult mental health experts.
Following a full day of jury selection and three days of testimony in January, Lawrence declared a mistrial after Egan's defense raised concerns about his competency to continue.
During the trial, the jury heard from the news team that witnessed the attack in their parking lot and Grand Junction Police Department officers who investigated the case. On behalf of the defense, the jury heard from friends of Egan who professed shock at the attack, particularly because he seemed apolitical and leaned toward having Democratic views.
Lawrence will release Egan on a $20,000 cash bond with requirements to undergo mental health treatment, continue taking prescribed medications, and remain 100 yards away from the victim and his former employer.
Victoria Fazzino, deputy attorney for Colorado's 21st Judicial District, reiterated her concerns about Egan taking his prescribed medications.
"The report shows there are still concerns with staying on meds, even in the jail," Fazzino told the court.
Following the mistrial, Egan requested a hearing before a new judge to appoint a new public defender, a matter Lawrence is seeking to address this week so that trial dates may be scheduled.
Source: Courthouse News Service
