Black Congressman Assaulted by Trump Supporter at Film Festival

Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost says he was punched by a man who made racist remarks before the attack.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A man was arrested at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, after allegedly punching Democratic Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, a Black Florida lawmaker, in what Frost says was a racially charged assault. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Christian Joel Young, allegedly told Frost that former President Donald Trump would 'deport' him before punching him. Despite eyewitness accounts and the arrest, right-wing social media figures quickly cast doubt on Frost's account, invoking conspiracy theories and comparisons to past high-profile hoaxes.

Why it matters

The incident reflects a broader context of heightened anti-immigrant and racially charged rhetoric from the Trump administration, which has contributed to increased tensions and even deadly consequences for everyday Americans. Experts say this climate amplifies threats against Black lawmakers, who are increasingly facing harassment, intimidation, and attacks in both public and private settings.

The details

According to Frost and festival officials, the alleged assault involved a white man telling Frost that former President Donald Trump would 'deport' him, before resorting to violence. Police arrested the suspect at the scene, and Frost later said he was physically OK. The suspect, Christian Joel Young, was charged with aggravated burglary, assaulting an elected official, and assault. Young had allegedly entered the 'private party' without permission and also attacked a woman attending the event.

  • The alleged assault occurred at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on January 24, 2026.

The players

Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost

A Democratic congressman from Florida and the first Generation Z member of Congress, who is a staunch critic of Trump and MAGA ideology.

Christian Joel Young

A 28-year-old man who was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated burglary, assaulting an elected official, and assault.

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What they’re saying

“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. He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off. The individual was arrested and I am okay.”

— Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (Twitter)

What’s next

The investigation into Frost's alleged assault is ongoing, and the congressman stands by his account of the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and threats faced by Black lawmakers, fueled by racially charged rhetoric and anti-immigrant messaging, which can have serious consequences for both public figures and everyday Americans of color.