Florida Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost Attacked at Sundance in Park City; Suspect Charged with Aggravated Burglary and Assault

A man faces charges after allegedly punching a Florida congressman during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, a Democrat from Florida, says the attack happened Friday night. Court documents show police arrested Christian Joel Young, 28, and charged him with aggravated burglary, assaulting an elected official, and assault.

Utah House Minority Leader Angela Romero responded, “This is unacceptable, and I’m deeply sorry Rep. Frost had this experience. This is disgusting, and I’m glad police arrested the person accused of assaulting Rep. Frost. There’s no excuse for racist or political violence, and we have to call it out every time.”

Police showed up at High West Distillery after the reported assault. Security already had Young in custody. The event was closed to the public—guests needed an invitation. According to court records, Young tried to get in, was turned away, then jumped the security fence.

Frost told officers that Young made odd, racially charged comments, then grabbed him and a friend in a tight hold “like he was hugging them around their necks.” Young pulled them in closer and said, “We are going to deport you and your kind.” Frost and his friend, shocked, pushed Young away. Young then yelled a racial slur and punched Frost in the face.

A second victim told police Young had approached her and a friend at the bar, began another uncomfortable conversation, and became upset when she tried to end it. She said the conversation had turned inappropriate and racially charged. Young then allegedly grabbed her and shoved her against the bar. Again, he yelled, “You are the kind we are going to deport.”

When questioned, Young told officers, “Nothing, I’m just hanging,” said he couldn’t remember what happened, and claimed he didn’t know his own name. Police found nothing illegal on him, but he did have a Sundance Film Festival administrative pass that wasn’t issued in his name. When asked about the pass, Young claimed he didn’t know what it was. Officers took him to the Salt Lake County Jail.