Florida Congressman Assaulted at Sundance Film Festival Event in Utah

PARK CITY, Utah (JN) – A 28-year-old man has been arrested in Utah after allegedly assaulting U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost of Florida during an event linked to the Sundance Film Festival, authorities said. The incident occurred late Friday at a private party in Park City, drawing condemnation from political leaders and festival organizers amid heightened national tensions around politics and immigration.

Police say the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the alleged assault and now faces multiple charges, including assaulting an elected official. Frost, a Democrat and the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress, said he was not seriously injured and praised local security and law enforcement for their response.

The Sundance Film Festival, one of the world’s most prominent independent film events, said it strongly condemned the incident, even though it occurred at a non-affiliated gathering. Officials emphasized that the alleged behavior runs counter to the festival’s stated values of safety and inclusion.

Incident at private Sundance-related event

According to the Park City Police Department, officers responded just after midnight to reports of an assault at a private party hosted by talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The event was held at High West Distillery, a well-known venue frequently used for Sundance-related functions during the annual festival.

Frost said in a statement posted Saturday on X that he was punched in the face by a man who told him that President Donald Trump was going to deport him. Frost added that the individual was shouting racist remarks as he fled the scene.

“He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off,” Frost wrote, adding that the suspect was later arrested and that he was physically okay.

Police identified the suspect as Christian Joel Young, 28. Court records show Young was arrested on charges of aggravated burglary, assaulting an elected official, and assault, and was booked into the Summit County Jail.

Arrest and court proceedings

A police affidavit states that Young appeared to have gained access to the event by jumping a fence and was carrying a Sundance Film Festival pass that was not issued in his name. Authorities have not publicly detailed a motive beyond what Frost described in his account.

Young appeared before County Judge Richard Mrazik, who ordered him held without bail. The judge cited concerns that Young posed “a substantial danger to any other individual or to the community,” or that he might flee the court’s jurisdiction if released.

Court records indicate Young has a prior misdemeanor conviction. It was not immediately clear whether he has retained an attorney. The Associated Press reported leaving messages with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Utah courts seeking comment from Young or a legal representative.

Response from festival and venue

In a statement, representatives of the Sundance Film Festival said they “strongly condemn” the incident. While noting that the party was not an official Sundance event, the organization stressed that the alleged behavior was incompatible with its principles.

“The safety and security of our festival attendees is always our chief concern, and our thoughts are with Congressman Frost and his continued well-being,” the statement said. Organizers encouraged anyone with additional information to contact the Park City Police Department.

CAA representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. High West Distillery has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.

Political reactions and broader context

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, also denounced the alleged assault, calling political or racially motivated violence unacceptable.

“Political or racially charged violence of any kind is unacceptable in Utah,” Cox said in a statement. He thanked local law enforcement for quickly apprehending the suspect and said tensions over immigration enforcement elsewhere in the country should not spill into the state.

Cox added that federal immigration enforcement efforts are “welcome and necessary,” underscoring the polarized national debate surrounding immigration policy.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, said he was “horrified” by the reported attack and called for the suspect to be “aggressively prosecuted.”

“Hate and political violence has no place in our country,” Jeffries wrote.

Ongoing investigation

Park City police said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may emerge as the case proceeds through the courts. Authorities have not indicated whether federal charges could be considered, given that the alleged victim is a sitting member of Congress.

Frost, who represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, thanked venue security and local police for their response and said he was continuing with his work. His office has not announced any changes to his public schedule following the incident.

The case adds to growing concern among U.S. lawmakers about threats and violence directed at elected officials, particularly in politically charged settings outside traditional government venues.