A man has been arrested following a violent incident at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where he allegedly assaulted a United States congressman and directed racist abuse towards him, according to local authorities.
Congressman Targeted in Festival Altercation
The suspect, identified as Christian Joel Young, is accused of confronting US Representative Maxwell Frost, a Democratic congressman from Florida, at a festival event. Police reports indicate that Young verbally threatened Frost with deportation before physically attacking him.
Racist Remarks and Physical Assault
Authorities state that Young allegedly told Frost "we are going to deport you and your kind" before punching the congressman in the face. The suspect is also accused of shoving Frost's friend into a bar during the altercation.
Frost, who represents Florida's 10th congressional district and was first elected in 2022, described the incident in detail. "[He] told me that Trump was going to deport me before he punched me in the face," the congressman said. "He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off."
Serious Charges and Detention
Young now faces multiple serious charges including aggravated burglary and assaulting an elected official. A judge has ordered him held without bail, citing concerns that he represents both a flight risk and a danger to the community.
Congressman Frost expressed gratitude towards the Park City Police Department for their prompt response and swift arrest of the suspect following the disturbing incident at the prestigious film festival.
