Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost was assaulted during a private event at the Sundance Film Festival. The incident took place at a party hosted by the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) on January 20, 2024, when an individual identified as Christian Young unlawfully entered the venue. Authorities responded to the scene shortly after midnight following reports of the assault.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Park City Police were called to High West Saloon after Young allegedly crashed the invite-only event. He had previously been denied entry for lacking an invitation. Young reportedly accessed the party through an alternate entrance and began causing a disturbance in the restroom, where he made racially charged comments expressing pride in being “white.”
Witnesses stated that the altercation escalated when Young exited the restroom and punched Congressman Frost. The assault was characterized by Young’s aggressive behavior and the use of racist language, including a statement about former President Donald Trump allegedly planning to deport Frost.
In a post on social media platform X, Frost confirmed the attack, stating, “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 expressed gratitude towards the venue’s security and the Park City Police for their prompt response.
Police apprehended Young at the scene, where he was detained by security until law enforcement arrived. He was subsequently arrested and booked on charges of aggravated battery and two counts of simple assault, each subject to a sentencing enhancement based on the nature of the attack.
Frost later reassured his followers with an update, saying, “The individual was arrested and I am okay.” His experience at the festival highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety and conduct at public events, particularly those involving prominent figures.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by public officials and the impact of hate speech in society. The quick response from security and police illustrates the importance of maintaining safety at large gatherings, especially in high-profile settings like the Sundance Film Festival.
