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Police say the suspect unlawfully entered a private industry event before allegedly assaulting Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and a second attendee.
A man was arrested early Friday at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, after allegedly assaulting Florida Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost during a private industry event, according to Park City police.
Police said officers responded just after midnight on Jan. 24 to a report of an assault at the High West Saloon, located at 703 Park Ave., where a private party was being held as part of Sundance festivities.
According to a statement from the Park City Police Department, a man identified as Christian Young unlawfully entered the event after previously being turned away for not having an invitation. Once inside, police said, Young assaulted Frost and a female attendee.
Young was arrested at the scene and booked into the Summit County Jail on charges of aggravated burglary and two counts of simple assault. Police said each charge is subject to a sentencing enhancement. The case remains under investigation.
Frost Describes Alleged Racist Attack
Frost, a Democrat representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District, confirmed the incident in a post on X later Saturday.
“Last night, I was assaulted by a man at Sundance Festival who told me that Trump was going to deport me before he punched me in the face.”
Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, D-Fla.
Frost, 29, made history in 2022 as the first Afro-Cuban and first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He thanked venue security and Park City police for their response to the incident.
“He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off. The individual was arrested, and I am okay.”
Frost, in a post on X
Police have not publicly stated whether the assault is being investigated as racially or politically motivated. Authorities also did not release details about the condition of the second victim referenced in the arrest report.
A view of Egyptian Theatre at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. © 2025 Sundance Institute | photo by Breanna Downs
Incident Occurred at CAA-Hosted Event
Entertainment industry outlet Variety first reported that the alleged assault took place at a private event hosted by Creative Artists Agency, a major talent agency with a significant presence at Sundance each year.
According to reporting, witnesses described a racially charged confrontation in the venue’s restroom prior to the alleged assault. A source told the outlet the suspect made statements about being “proud” to be white before allegedly striking Frost outside the restroom area. Security personnel detained the suspect until police arrived.
CAA declined to comment on the incident.
Charges and Legal Process
Park City police said Young faces one count of aggravated burglary for unlawfully entering the private event and two counts of simple assault related to the alleged attacks. Police noted that each charge is subject to a sentencing enhancement, though authorities did not specify which statutory factors may apply.
“Once inside the saloon, Young assaulted Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost and a female who was attending the private event.”
Park City Police Department statement
Under Utah law, aggravated burglary can carry enhanced penalties when an alleged crime involves violence or entry into a secured or private space.
Additional details may be released following the filing of court documents or through a public records request under Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act.
Sundance Festival Context
The incident occurred during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, which is being held in Park City for the final time. Organizers previously announced that the festival will relocate to Colorado beginning in 2027.
While Sundance events are typically associated with film premieres and industry gatherings, many high-profile parties and private events are invitation-only and staffed with private security.
Broader Climate of Political Tension
The alleged assault comes amid heightened concerns about politically and racially motivated violence targeting public officials. In recent years, members of Congress from both parties have reported threats, harassment, and physical confrontations connected to political rhetoric and public appearances.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was “horrified” by the reported attack on Frost.
“Grateful that he is OK, but appalled that this terrifying assault took place,” Jeffries said in a statement. “The perpetrator must be aggressively prosecuted. Hate and political violence have no place in our country.”
Police have not announced whether additional charges will be filed as the investigation continues.
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19 Comments
The incident at the Sundance Film Festival highlights the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, and I hope that this event will spark a meaningful conversation about these issues.
The fact that Christian Young made statements about being ‘proud’ to be white before allegedly striking Rep. Frost suggests a deep-seated hatred and intolerance, and I think he should face the full consequences of his actions.
The fact that Rep. Frost thanked venue security and Park City police for their response to the incident suggests that they handled the situation professionally and effectively.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism and hate speech in our society, and it’s crucial that we address these problems through education and community engagement.
The charges against Christian Young, including aggravated burglary and two counts of simple assault, seem appropriate given the circumstances, but I’m curious to know more about the sentencing enhancement mentioned in the article.
I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of the security measures in place at the High West Saloon, given that Christian Young was able to enter the event despite being turned away earlier.
The fact that Christian Young was able to unlawfully enter the private industry event at the High West Saloon after being turned away is concerning, and I wonder what security measures were in place to prevent this.
It’s possible that the event staff were overwhelmed with the number of attendees and failed to properly monitor the entrance.
Rep. Frost’s experience is a reminder that even public figures can be vulnerable to hate crimes, and it’s essential that we support them and condemn such acts of violence.
As a member of Generation Z, I’m proud to see Rep. Frost speaking out against hate crimes and using his platform to raise awareness about these important issues.
As a supporter of Rep. Frost, I’m glad to hear that he’s okay after the incident and that venue security and Park City police responded quickly to the situation.
Yes, it’s reassuring to know that the authorities took the incident seriously and arrested the suspect at the scene.
I’m surprised that Creative Artists Agency, the host of the private event, declined to comment on the incident, and I think they should release a statement condemning the alleged assault.
The alleged assault on Rep. Frost and the second attendee is a concern for public safety, and I hope the Park City police will increase security measures at future events to prevent similar incidents.
Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost’s statement that the suspect told him ‘Trump was going to deport me’ before punching him in the face suggests a racially motivated attack, and I think the police should investigate this angle further.
The fact that this incident occurred at the Sundance Film Festival, an event that celebrates creativity and inclusivity, is particularly disturbing and highlights the need for greater awareness and action against hate crimes.
I’m concerned about the potential impact of this incident on Rep. Frost’s work and his ability to represent his constituents effectively, and I hope he receives the necessary support and protection.
I’m curious to know more about the condition of the second victim referenced in the arrest report and whether they’re receiving the necessary support and care.
The alleged assault on Rep. Frost is a reminder that hate crimes can happen anywhere, and it’s essential that we remain vigilant and supportive of those who are targeted.