PARK CITY, Utah — A man was arrested Friday night at a private party during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, for allegedly assaulting Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost. The suspect, identified as Christian Joel Young, 28, was charged with aggravated burglary, assaulting an elected official, and simple assault, according to court records.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, posted on X Saturday that he was punched in the face by a man who told him that President Donald Trump would deport him. The altercation occurred at a party hosted by talent agency CAA at the High West Distillery, a popular venue for festival-adjacent events. Young was also accused of grabbing a woman by the shoulder and crashing the party by jumping a fence. He had a Sundance Film Festival pass that was not issued in his name.
Deeper Dive & Context
Official Statements and Police Response
Park City police confirmed in a statement that officers responded to the incident at the High West Saloon just after midnight. According to police, Young unlawfully entered the private party after being turned away for not having an invitation. Officers arrested Young and booked him on charges that included a sentencing enhancement for assaulting an elected official.
Details of the Incident
According to Frost’s post, the suspect was heard screaming racist remarks as he fled the scene. A source at the party told Variety that Young made racially charged comments in a bathroom before punching Frost. The Sundance Film Festival released a statement condemning the assault, noting that while it occurred at a non-affiliated event, the behavior was against their values.
Reactions and Implications
Frost thanked venue security and the Park City Police Department for their response. The incident has raised concerns about security at high-profile events and the prevalence of racially motivated attacks. Frost, who is the first Afro-Cuban and Gen Z member of Congress, has been vocal about issues of racial justice and immigration reform.
The case is ongoing, and further details may emerge as legal proceedings continue.