A man was arrested Friday night at a party during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, for allegedly assaulting a Democratic congressman.
Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) wrote on X on Saturday that he was punched in the face by a man who told Frost that President Donald Trump was going to deport him. The altercation occurred at the High West Distillery, a nearby venue known for hosting events at past Sundance Festivals.
“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,” wrote Frost.
“He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off,” Frost continued.
“The individual was arrested and I am okay.”
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. He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off. The individual was arrested and I am okay.
Thank you to the venue security and… https://t.co/Nhpj5rl3JO
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) January 24, 2026
Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, continued by thanking the venue and the Park City PD for their assistance.
“Upon arrival, officers conducted an investigation and determined Christian Young unlawfully entered a private party after previously being turned away for not having an invitation. Once inside the saloon, Young assaulted Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost and a female who was attending the private event,” the Park City PD said in a statement.
Christian Joel Young, 28, was arrested on charges of aggravated burglary, assaulting an elected official and assault and transported to Summit County Jail, according to court records.
The Sundance Film Festival representatives released a statement saying that they “strongly condemn” the incident, noting that while it occurred at a non-affiliated event that the behavior is “against our values of upholding a welcoming and inspiring environment for all our attendees.”
“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 read.
“We encourage anyone with additional information on this matter to contact the Park City Police Department.”
According to the Associated Press (AP), Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, denounced the alleged attack and said he won’t let tensions over immigration enforcement in places like Minneapolis spill into Utah.
“Political or racially charged violence of any kind is unacceptable in Utah,” Cox said in a statement. “I’m grateful to local law enforcement for swiftly apprehending the assailant and pursuing justice for Rep. Maxwell Frost.”