Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Faces Assault at Sundance Film Festival Following Trump Deportation Remarks

Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost, the Sundance Film Festival.
Credit:

Aaron Schwartz/NurPhoto/Shutterstock; Copyright Sundance Institute

NEED TO KNOW

• Florida Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost was allegedly “punched” and racially harassed at a Sundance party in Park City, Utah, on Friday, Jan. 23.
• In an Instagram post, Frost claimed the individual responsible for the assault drunkenly ran off after the incident.
• A suspect, identified as Christian Young, has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Florida Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost was reportedly assaulted while attending a party at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23.

The incident occurred during the talent agency CAA’s celebration at Park City’s High West Saloon in Utah. According to reports from Variety and CNN, Frost claimed in an Instagram post that he was both racially harassed and physically assaulted during the event.

In his Instagram post, Frost stated, “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.”

He expressed gratitude towards venue security and the Park City Police Department for their assistance in addressing the incident.

The Park City Police Department confirmed that they had arrested Christian Young, who allegedly assaulted Frost and another woman at the party. Authorities reported that Young had unlawfully entered the event after being turned away initially.

Congressman Maxwell Frost claims he was attacked at the Sundance Film Festival in an Instagram post.

Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost/Instagram

Frost shared a screenshot of the Variety report about the incident, which detailed that the alleged attack took place in the restroom of the High West Saloon. Witnesses reported that Young had expressed pride in being “white” before allegedly punching Frost as he exited the restroom.

Young has been charged with aggravated burglary and two counts of simple assault, each subject to a sentencing enhancement.

Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost in 2024.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty

In response to the incident, the Sundance Film Festival issued a statement condemning the assault. The festival expressed that such acts of violence and harassment are intolerable and counter to its values of fostering a welcoming environment for attendees.

The statement emphasized the festival’s commitment to the safety and security of all who attend. It concluded with an invitation for anyone with additional information on the matter to contact the Park City Police Department.

Frost’s office has been contacted for further comment.