Rep. Maxwell Frost Claims Assault at Sundance Film Festival
U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost reported being assaulted at the Sundance Film Festival. The incident occurred during a party associated with the festival on Saturday. Frost shared details via social media, indicating that the assailant made a racist remark before attacking him.
Incident Overview
Frost, a Democrat from Florida, 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.” The alleged attacker was also heard shouting racist phrases as he fled the scene. Law enforcement quickly intervened, leading to the arrest of the individual.
Context of the Assault
According to a report by Variety, the attacker was a party crasher who expressed pride in being “white” prior to the assault. The attack was described as a hate crime, highlighting the troubling atmosphere surrounding the event. Security personnel promptly detained the assailant following the incident.
Community Response
The Park City police department has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the event. In the aftermath, Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed his dismay on social media, stating he was “horrified by the attack” and emphasized that “hate and political violence has no place in our country.” Jeffries called for robust legal action against the perpetrator, affirming that the House Democratic Caucus supports Frost.
Sundance Film Festival Details
- Location: Park City, Utah
- Dates: January 22 – February 1
- Future Festivals: Next year’s festival will take place in Boulder, Colorado.
This incident raises significant concerns about safety and the prevalence of hate in public spaces, even during events designed to celebrate culture and creativity. The festival continues this year, but the focus will also remain on the implications of such violence.
