Man Arrested for Assaulting Rep. Maxwell Frost Amid Deportation Dispute
A disturbing incident occurred at the Sundance Film Festival involving U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost from Florida. The congressman was assaulted by a man who claimed that Frost would face deportation.
Details of the Assault on Rep. Maxwell Frost
The assault took place on a Friday night at the festival. Maxwell Frost reported that he was punched in the face during an interaction with Christian Joel Young, age 28. Young was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated burglary and assaulting an elected official.
Statements from Officials
- Angela Romero, Utah House Minority Leader, condemned the attack.
- Romero stated, “This is unacceptable… We must be unequivocal in condemning it wherever it occurs.”
The Park City police responded quickly to the incident at High West Distillery. Security personnel had already detained Young upon the officers’ arrival. According to police records, Young had previously assaulted two patrons at the bar.
Behaviors Leading Up to the Assault
Witness reports indicate that Christian Young was making inappropriate comments about race before the assault. He allegedly pulled Frost and his friend close, making threatening remarks regarding deportation.
- Young reportedly stated, “We are going to deport you and your kind.”
- This remark prompted both Frost and his friend to push Young away to create space.
Following this, Young yelled a racial slur and struck Frost. Another victim at the bar recounted a similar experience, describing how Young became aggressive after their conversation took an uncomfortable turn.
Legal Consequences and Young’s Arrest
Young was arrested after the incident and was found to possess an administrative access pass for the Sundance Film Festival that did not belong to him. During questioning, he was evasive, claiming not to remember the events and even his own name.
Christian Joel Young was subsequently booked into the Salt Lake County Jail as police continue their investigation into this alarming event.
