A 28-year-old Centerville man was charged Tuesday after he allegedly punched a Florida congressman at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend.
Christian Joel Young approached U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, an Afro-Latino Democrat from Florida, during a private party at High West Saloon in Park City, according to charging documents. Young made comments to Frost and his friend before he told them “we are going to deport you and your kind,” investigators said.
The pair attempted to walk away from Young, but he then yelled a racial slur and struck Frost in the face, court documents state. Young then approached a Black woman at the bar, investigators said, and pushed her while shouting, “You are the kind we’re going to deport! You’re being deported!”
Security detained Young until police arrived. Before the altercation with Frost, Young had been chased off by security guards after he jumped a fence to break into the private party, court documents state, but he had somehow gained access to the building again.
Frost posted to social media Saturday that Young was heard “screaming racist remarks” as he ran off. The congressman also thanked security guards and Park City police for their assistance.
(Kenny Holston | The New York Times) Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., questions witnesses during a committee hearing in Washington in June 2025. The lawmaker was allegedly punched at a private party during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.
Summit County prosecutors Tuesday charged Young with one felony count of aggravated burglary and two misdemeanor counts of assault.
Young also is subject to enhanced penalties for the assault charges under Utah law because, charging documents explain, he “intentionally selected” the victims due to his “belief or perception regarding their personal attributes.”
At the time of the altercation, court documents show, Young was on probation after he pleaded guilty to violating a protective order in February 2025.
Young is currently being held without bail at the Summit County jail.
This is a developing story.