A former employee of the Justice Department, who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during the law enforcement surge under President Donald Trump in Washington, was acquitted of assault on Thursday. The incident, captured in a viral video, turned Sean Charles Dunn into a symbol of opposition to Trump’s deployment of federal agents to address crime in the capital. The misdemeanor acquittal dealt another blow to prosecutors who have faced criticism for their handling of criminal cases stemming from the law enforcement surge.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Dunn violated the law by throwing his sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent on the night of August 10. In contrast, Dunn’s defense team contended that it was a harmless protest gesture protected by the First Amendment and urged the jury to acquit him of the misdemeanor assault charge.
Despite not testifying during the trial, Dunn was heard on a law enforcement officer’s body camera explaining that he threw the sandwich to divert the agents’ attention. Initially facing a felony assault charge, Dunn was later charged with a misdemeanor following a grand jury’s refusal to indict him, indicating pushback against the Justice Department’s handling of surge-related cases.
The incident occurred when Dunn confronted a group of CBP agents outside a club hosting a “Latin Night,” calling them “fascists” and “racists.” A witness captured Dunn throwing the sandwich at an agent, who testified that it hit his chest hard enough to be felt through his ballistic vest, with the distinctive smell of onions and mustard lingering.
After the verdict, Dunn expressed relief and a desire to move forward. However, the case has raised questions about selective prosecution, with Dunn’s lawyers arguing that he was targeted for his political speech. Dunn, a former international affairs specialist at the Justice Department, was fired following his arrest, which was accompanied by a highly publicized raid on his home by armed federal agents.
The legal proceedings surrounding Dunn’s case have drawn attention to the broader context of law enforcement actions and political responses, with comparisons made to the handling of cases involving individuals who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. While Dunn’s case has concluded with his acquittal, the implications of the legal battle continue to spark debate and scrutiny.