Florida Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, who has Cuban roots, was punched during an event at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on Saturday.
The Democrat was attacked at a party in what he described as a racially motivated incident. The assailant, before striking him, allegedly told Frost that Donald Trump would deport him, as detailed by Frost on his social media.
"Last night, a man assaulted me at the Sundance Festival. He claimed Trump was going to deport me before hitting me in the face," Frost shared.
“The attacker was heard shouting racist comments while fleeing in a drunken state. The individual was arrested, and I'm fine,” he added.
Park City police confirmed the arrest of the suspect, Christian Young, on charges of aggravated burglary and two counts of simple assault.
Young had unlawfully entered a private party after being denied entry for not having an invitation, where he subsequently attacked the congressman and a woman at the bar.
After confirming the attack, Frost reassured in a follow-up post that he was "okay."
“We are living in challenging times (…) Please stay safe and do not let these people silence you. Keep moving forward,” he encouraged.
Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, expressed his gratitude that Frost is "okay" but was dismayed by the "horrific assault." He emphasized that the perpetrator should be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
"Hate and political violence have no place in our nation, and the entire House Democratic Caucus stands with Maxwell," he added.
In 2022, the 29-year-old congressman made history as the first Generation Z member elected to the United States Congress.
The Afro-Cuban congressman is a progressive Democrat, focusing his agenda on addressing gun violence, combating climate change, advocating for abortion rights, and supporting Medicare for All.
Key Information About the Attack on Congressman Frost
Who attacked Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost?
Christian Young is the individual who attacked Congressman Frost at the Sundance Film Festival.
What charges were filed against the attacker?
Christian Young was charged with aggravated burglary and two counts of simple assault.
What are Congressman Frost's main political focuses?
Frost's agenda primarily targets gun violence, climate change, abortion rights, and Medicare for All.