A Democratic congressman found himself at the center of a disturbing incident during a high-profile film festival event in Utah. Florida Representative Maxwell Frost, 29, reported being punched in the face by a man who was reportedly intoxicated and shouting racist comments at the Creative Artists Agency’s Sundance Film Festival party held at High West Saloon in Park City.
Rep. Frost, the youngest member of the U.S. Congress, shared his shocking experience via a statement on his social media platform, X. He recounted how the assailant warned him that former President Trump would deport him, before physically attacking him. Despite the unsettling encounter, Frost assured his followers that he was unharmed.
The alleged attacker, identified as 28-year-old Christian Joel Young, now faces several felony charges not only for the assault on Rep. Frost but also for allegedly attacking another woman at the event, according to reports by Axios.
Court documents revealed that Young was heard yelling threats at Frost and the woman, stating, “We are going to deport you and your kind.” Following the incident, Young was apprehended by authorities.
Frost, who has Puerto Rican and Haitian ancestry, is no stranger to the challenges of being a young and diverse voice in politics. The incident underscores the ongoing issues of racism and violence that persist in various settings.
Young is accused of wildly shouting at the congressman and woman, screaming, ‘We are going to deport you and your kind’, per court documents obtained by the outlet.
Other festival goers claimed the 28-year-old yelled he was ‘proud to be white’ before the attack, Variety reported.
The party crasher then allegedly yelled a racist slur and punched Frost in the face, according to court documents.
US Rep Maxwell Frost (D-FL) speaks at a press conference at the US Capitol, he claims to have been assaulted in a racist attack at the film festival
A bridge crossing over Main Street is seen with signage for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2026 in Park City, Utah, where the alleged assault took place
He also reportedly grabbed the woman and shoved her out of his way, slamming her against the bar, per the outlet.
Police later determined that Young had snuck into the event and was not on the guest list.
The 28-year-old faces a slew of charges including aggravated burglary, assault on an elected official, and simple assault, and was ordered held without bail.
Sundance addressed the debacle in a statement to the outlet, condemning the hate crime that occurred at a ‘non-Festival-affiliated event.’
‘We strongly condemn last night’s assault and abhor any form of violence, harassment, and hate speech,’ the statement read.
‘While the incident occurred at a non-Festival-affiliated event, such behavior is intolerable and against our values of upholding a welcoming and inspiring environment for all our attendees.’
The Florida Democrat posted a statement on X, explaining how the ordeal unfolded and expressed his thanks to the police
According to court documents, Frost and another unidentified woman were victims of the drunken 28-year-old, Christian Joel Young
People walk along Main Street during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2026 in Park City, Utah, police believe the suspect snuck into the event
Both Sundance and Frost commended venue security and Park City PD for assistance on this incident.
Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the United States, traditionally held each January in Park City, Utah, with additional screenings in Salt Lake City.
The festival highlights new documentary and feature movies from filmmakers around the world.
This year’s festival kicked off in Utah on January 22, marking its final run in Park City and the first held without founder Robert Redford, who died in September.
