This was unexpected.
Florida Democrat Maxwell Frost says he was assaulted during a private event connected to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, late Friday night.
Frost, who represents a district in central Florida, reported that an intoxicated individual confronted him and a friend at an invite-only gathering, made racially charged and political remarks, and then struck him in the face before leaving the scene.
In a post shared on social media, Frost claimed the suspect referenced deportation and President Trump before the alleged assault occurred. He later said venue security and local police intervened and that he was not seriously injured.
Local authorities confirmed that officers responded to an incident at a private party held at High West Distillery, an event reportedly organized by Creative Artists Agency. According to Fox 13 Salt Lake City, a 28-year-old man identified as Christian Joel Young was taken into custody.
Police say the suspect entered the venue without authorization, allegedly jumping a fence and using an access credential that was not issued in his name. Investigators allege that Young confronted multiple guests and became physically aggressive before fleeing the area.
In addition to the alleged altercation involving Frost, another woman told police that the same suspect approached her, made similar comments, and shoved her into a bar area before leaving.
Young was taken into custody on allegations including assault, aggravated burglary, and attacking an elected official. Prosecutors are evaluating whether further charge enhancements are warranted. Police say the suspect was held without bail and claimed he could not remember the events.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for accountability. Organizers with the Sundance Film Festival emphasized that the incident occurred at a non-festival event but said violence and harassment are not tolerated.
Frost, the youngest member of Congress, has drawn national attention since his election in 2022 for his outspoken criticism of Republicans and President Trump. Earlier this year, he was briefly barred from speaking during a House Oversight Committee hearing after violating decorum rules while accusing the president of corruption. Committee Chairman James Comer warned at the time that disruptions would not be allowed.
Outside Congress, Frost has also generated controversy for his public remarks toward Republican leaders. In 2023, he appeared on stage at a concert by Paramore, where he used profanity while criticizing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis—comments that later circulated widely online.
Police say the investigation into Friday night’s incident remains ongoing.
