Police & Fire

Man arrested after alleged assault on Florida congressman at Sundance event

PARK CITY, Utah — A 28-year-old man was arrested after allegedly punching a Florida congressman and making racially charged remarks at a private Sundance Film Festival event, authorities said.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Democrat from Florida, said in a social media post that he was assaulted Jan. 23 at an invitation-only gathering at High West Distillery.

Park City police identified the suspect as Christian Joel Young, who investigators say gained unauthorized access to the event. Witnesses told police that Young approached Frost and a companion and made comments about their race. According to the arrest report, he allegedly told them, “We are going to deport you and your kind,” while attempting to hug them.

Frost said he and his friend pushed Young away, after which Young allegedly yelled a racial slur and punched Frost in the face before fleeing.

Police said a second victim reported that Young made “inappropriate and racially charged” remarks to her and a friend earlier in the evening. She told officers that after she stopped engaging with him, Young pushed her against the bar and shouted, “You are the kind we are going to deport.”

Investigators said Young had an administrative Sundance access pass that did not belong to him. Security personnel told police they initially denied him entry to the venue and later saw him jump a fence to get inside. After being confronted, Young left the area but is believed to have reentered without being detected.

Young was booked into jail on suspicion of assault, aggravated burglary and assault on an elected official. Police said both assault charges will be screened for possible hate crime enhancements.

Fox 13 News reported that according to police, Young told officers he could not remember the incident and claimed he did not know his own name. Officers reported that when they addressed him by name, he responded.

A judge ordered Young held without bail.

Frost said he was not seriously injured and thanked Park City police and event security for their response.

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