A University of Colorado Boulder student was brutally attacked on October 23rd, struck with a hockey stick by a man on rollerblades in an assault authorities are calling politically motivated.
Nathaniel Ellis, a student and secretary for the University of Colorado Turning Point USA chapter, was riding his bicycle when he was confronted by 36-year-old Taylor James Rose of Arvada, Colorado. Witnesses report Rose hurled a political slur before the violent attack.
The assault unfolded just after 7 p.m., leaving Ellis injured and shaken. Investigators quickly identified Rose as a suspect, releasing clearer images to the public in hopes of gathering further information.
Rose was apprehended on Thursday and now faces felony charges of second-degree assault. The Deputy District Attorney emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack, confirming it was an unprovoked act fueled by political animosity.
Police also questioned a second individual seen rollerblading with Rose near the scene, who was observed distributing flyers. While currently not considered a suspect, this person is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Details surrounding the incident remain limited as authorities work to preserve the integrity of the case. A brief statement from the City of Boulder acknowledged the charges but refrained from releasing specifics.
Evidence suggests the attack wasn’t an isolated incident. Reports indicate Ellis had been previously targeted by local groups who publicly accused him of extremist affiliations, effectively “doxxing” him online.
Investigators uncovered connections between Rose and Denver Communists, finding chat logs where he identified himself as an anarchist from Arvada while discussing potential protest activity. The group had recently participated in a demonstration carrying a sign referencing a prominent conservative figure.
Further investigation revealed a disturbing pattern. Colorado Antifa groups, including Front Range Antifa and Colorado Springs Antifa, had circulated a flyer identifying Ellis as a target, accusing him of being associated with extremist ideologies.
This “hit list,” bearing the logos of the Antifa groups, was widely shared on social media, including by members of Boulder Students for a Democratic Society – an organization with historical ties to radical movements.
Despite the severity of the charges, Rose was released on a personal recognizance bond, with a court date scheduled for November 4th. The Boulder Police Department continues to seek information from the public.
Anyone with knowledge of the incident is urged to contact Detective E. Starks at [email protected] or 303-441-3067, referencing case 25-10213. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
