Man Arrested for Assaulting Rep. Maxwell Frost Following Deportation Threat
During the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost from Florida was assaulted by a man who threatened deportation. The incident occurred on Friday night and led to the arrest of 28-year-old Christian Joel Young.
Details of the Assault
Young faces multiple charges, including aggravated burglary and assaulting an elected official. According to an affidavit, he was already detained by security personnel at High West Distillery when police arrived.
Witness Accounts
- The bar was an invitation-only event, and Young had jumped a security fence to gain entry.
- Frost reported that Young made inappropriate comments regarding race, stating, “We are going to deport you and your kind.”
- This prompted Frost and a friend to push Young away in an attempt to create distance.
After the initial encounter, Young allegedly yelled a racial slur and punched Frost in the face. Additionally, another woman reported similar behavior, claiming Young pushed her against the bar after making racially charged comments.
Official Reactions
Utah House Minority Leader Angela Romero condemned the attack. She expressed her sorrow over Frost’s experience and stressed the importance of denouncing political violence and racism in all forms.
Arrest and Investigation
- Young claimed he could not remember the incidents and even forgot his own name during questioning.
- He was found in possession of a Sundance Film Festival access pass that was not issued to him.
Young has since been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. As investigations continue, the incident highlights the ongoing concerns about political violence and safety at public events.
