Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost Reveals Why He Was Attacked at Sundance: “I Was Punched in the Face”

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Congressman Maxwell Frost, 29, of Florida, was recently attacked at a party during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. He says the attack was racially motivated, with a man approaching him, making racist comments, and then punching him.

At first, reports suggested a racially motivated incident happened at a party hosted by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) at High West Saloon. Later, Congressman Frost revealed he was the person targeted. He shared details of the upsetting experience online and confirmed the person responsible had been caught.

According to a post on X, actor Billy Porter was attacked at the Sundance Film Festival last night. The attacker reportedly made threats about deportation and punched Porter before fleeing while yelling racist slurs. Porter stated that the individual was arrested and that he is doing okay. He also thanked Sundance security and the Park City Police Department for their help.

I was attacked last night at the Sundance Festival by a man who yelled racist things and claimed Trump would deport me before punching me. He ran away while drunk, but was arrested. Thankfully, I’m alright. I want to thank the security team at the venue…

— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) January 24, 2026

Christian Joel Young, 28, is accused of entering a private party without an invitation by using a different entrance. Witnesses say that around midnight, he went into the restroom and began disrupting others, stating he was proud to be white.

Police reports state that Young began harassing Frost and a friend with racist remarks. When they attempted to move away, Young reportedly grabbed them and threatened deportation, saying, “We are going to deport you and your kind,” before using a racial slur and physically assaulting the congressman.

Security and a bystander quickly held the man until police arrived. He was then arrested and booked into the Summit County Jail on charges including assaulting a police officer, simple assault, and aggravated burglary.

The attack on Frost has prompted widespread support, including a strong statement from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who described the incident as both terrifying and appalling. Organizers of the Sundance Film Festival also issued a statement condemning the act of racial violence and reaffirming their dedication to the safety of everyone at the festival.

Maxwell Frost, the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress, has been a leading voice for Florida’s 10th District since he began his term in 2023. As of early 2026, he continues to be very involved in Washington, recently co-sponsored the Melt ICE Act with Representatives Delia Ramirez and Ilhan Omar. This bill proposes to shut down Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s detention centers and instead use those funds to support local communities.

Beyond his work as a legislator, Frost is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026, general election. He currently leads the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs. Having previously worked as a community organizer with March for Our Lives, he remains a strong supporter of Medicare for All and effective measures to prevent gun violence.

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will showcase a diverse range of films, including the documentary Cookie Queens from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, and the satirical comedy The Gallerist starring Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega. This year’s festival is especially noteworthy because it’s the last one to be held in Park City, Utah, before the event moves to Boulder, Colorado in 2027.

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2026-01-25 19:14