A sitting congressman was violently assaulted at a private party in Utah by an intruder who invoked President Trump’s deportation policies while hurling racial slurs, exposing the dangerous consequences of unchecked political rhetoric and security failures at high-profile events.
Congressman Assaulted at Sundance Party by Fence-Jumping Intruder
U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) was punched in the face at a private party hosted by talent agency CAA during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Christian Joel Young, 28, crashed the exclusive event at High West Distillery by jumping over a security fence after being denied entry.
According to court documents and Frost’s social media account, Young engaged partygoers in bizarre conversations before becoming aggressive when rebuffed. He struck Frost in the face, then grabbed and shoved an unidentified woman before security personnel restrained him. Park City Police arrived shortly after midnight and arrested Young, booking him into Summit County Jail on multiple charges.
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
Deportation Slurs and Racial Insults Preceded Attack
Representative Frost detailed the assault on social media. The suspect allegedly referenced deporting individuals before physically attacking the congressman. Frost, who is of Puerto Rican descent and represents Florida as the nation’s first Gen Z congressman, described Young as behaving erratically and intoxicated. This troubling pattern mirrors concerns raised throughout 2025 about escalating threats against congressional members, particularly those from minority backgrounds.
Arrest and Charge this POS!!
Florida Democrat Rep. Maxwell Frost sent out a video Notifying Illegal Aliens where ICE Agents were staying, doxxing their locations for harm, and how to Evade Deportation
Where you at @GovRonDeSantis ??https://t.co/mYXq4kOPJ1 pic.twitter.com/RPhxgBHKHT
— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) January 16, 2026
Felony Charges and Bail Denial Signal Serious Consequences
Christian Young faces three charges: aggravated burglary, assault on an elected official, and simple assault. Judge Richard Mrazik denied bail, citing Young as a danger to the community and a flight risk. Court records reveal Young has a prior misdemeanor conviction, though specifics were not disclosed.
The aggravated burglary charge stems from Young’s illegal entry onto private property by vaulting the security fence. Assaulting an elected official carries enhanced penalties under Utah law, reflecting the severity of targeting government representatives. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded aggressive prosecution, calling the incident an example of hate and political violence that cannot be tolerated in civil society.
Security Failures Expose Vulnerabilities at Private Events
The assault occurred at a private party unaffiliated with the official Sundance Film Festival, highlighting security gaps at celebrity-heavy side events. Despite CAA’s hosting of an exclusive gathering, Young successfully breached perimeter security by fence-jumping after being denied legitimate access.
The Sundance Institute issued a statement condemning the assault and emphasizing attendee safety, though the party itself fell outside festival jurisdiction. High West Distillery security assisted in restraining Young until police arrived, earning gratitude from Representative Frost. This incident will likely prompt stricter entry protocols at private festival-adjacent events, where the mix of celebrities, politicians, and wealthy attendees makes them attractive targets for disruptive individuals with political or personal grievances.
Christian Young.
Arrested for attacking Democrat Maxwell Frost at the High West Distillery event at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, also attacked a woman and stole items.
Has social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook, mostly dealing with snowboarding. Said to be from… pic.twitter.com/dyn6l1r8S6
— abandoned2525 (@abandoned2525) January 25, 2026
Sources:
Maxwell Frost assault: Man arrested after punching congressman at Sundance
Man arrested after assaulting US Rep. Maxwell Frost at Sundance
Christian Joel Young arrested for assaulting Maxwell Frost at Sundance Film Festival