Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost Reveals Why He Was Attacked at Sundance: “I Was Punched in the Face”
Maxwell Frost is speaking out after being the subject of a racially motivated assault while attending a 2026 Sundance Film Festival party this weekend. The 29-year-old Florida congressman was attending a high-profile industry event when a man approached him with racist remarks and punched him in the face.
Initial reports indicated that a racially charged incident had taken place at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) party at High West Saloon before Frost came forward to reveal he was the victim. In a statement shared on social media, the congressman described the harrowing encounter and confirmed that the perpetrator had been apprehended.
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, Frost shared on X. 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 Park City PD for assistance on this incident.
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.
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) January 24, 2026
Thank you to the venue security and… https://t.co/Nhpj5rl3JO
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Christian Joel Young, reportedly snuck into the exclusive, invitation-only party through an alternate entrance. Around midnight, Young went into the restroom where he began to cause a disturbance, telling other attendees he was proud to be “white.”
According to police affidavits, Young then approached Frost and a friend, making inappropriate comments about their race. When they tried to distance themselves, Young allegedly pulled them close and said, We are going to deport you and your kind, before shouting a racial slur and punching the congressman in the face.
Security staff and an unidentified patron quickly intervened to detain the man until the Park City Police Department arrived. Young was booked into the Summit County Jail on several charges, including assaulting a government official, simple assault, and aggravated burglary.
The incident has sparked a wave of support for Frost, including a statement from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who called the attack terrifying and appalling. Sundance organizers also released a statement strongly condemning the act of racial violence and emphasizing their commitment to the safety of all festival attendees.
Maxwell Frost, the first member of Generation Z to be elected to Congress, has been a prominent voice in Florida’s 10th District since taking office in 2023. In early 2026, he has remained highly active in Washington, recently introducing the Melt ICE Act alongside Representatives Delia Ramirez and Ilhan Omar. The bill aims to dismantle the detention system run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and redirect those resources toward community repairs.
Outside of his legislative work, Frost is currently campaigning for re-election in the 2026 general election scheduled for November 3. He also serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs. Known for his background as a community organizer with March for Our Lives, he continues to advocate for Medicare for All and aggressive gun violence prevention strategies.
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival features a wide array of notable projects, including the documentary Cookie Queens, produced by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, and the art-world satire The Gallerist starring Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega. This year’s festival is particularly significant as it marks the final edition to be held in Park City before moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027.
Do you think the move of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder next year will help address the security challenges that allowed a party crasher to target a high-profile official? Share your thoughts in the comments.