Chaos erupted at a glamorous Sundance Film Festival after-party in Park City, Utah, when Florida Representative Maxwell Frost was physically assaulted by a drunken partygoer.
The 29-year-old congressman, known for being the youngest member of the US Senate, said the attack was preceded by a string of racist insults.
Frost, who proudly identifies with his Puerto Rican and Haitian roots, recounted the shocking incident on social media, saying the man punched him in the face while shouting threats about deportation.
“He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off.
I am okay,” Frost wrote, adding that law enforcement quickly intervened.
Alleged Attacker Faces Multiple Felony Charges
The suspect, 28-year-old Christian Joel Young, now faces a range of felony charges including assault on an elected official, aggravated burglary, and simple assault.
Court documents reveal that Young not only attacked Frost but also allegedly shoved an unidentified woman against a bar during the rampage.
Witnesses reported that he loudly declared he was “proud to be white” before launching the attack.
Authorities confirmed that Young had sneaked into the event, which he was not invited to, and he is currently being held without bail.
Racist Remarks Cast a Shadow Over Festival Night
According to reports, Young’s outburst included threatening words like “We are going to deport you and your kind,” directed at Frost and the other victim.
Attendees described the scene as frightening, with the suspect running through the venue while yelling racial slurs.
It was a stark reminder that even high-profile, star-studded gatherings are not immune to violence and hate.
Sundance Condemns the Incident
Sundance Film Festival, the country’s largest independent film festival, quickly addressed the incident, making it clear that it did not occur at a festival-sanctioned event.
“We strongly condemn last night’s assault and abhor any form of violence, harassment, and hate speech,” the festival said in a statement.
They also praised venue security and Park City police for responding swiftly.
A Landmark Festival Without Robert Redford
This year’s festival, which began on January 22, is the first held after the passing of founder Robert Redford in September.
Sundance continues to showcase innovative films and documentaries from around the world, hosting screenings in both Park City and Salt Lake City.
While the attack cast a temporary shadow over the festivities, organizers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for all attendees.
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