A former employee of the Justice Department, who tossed a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement initiative in Washington, was acquitted of assault charges on Thursday. The incident, captured in a viral video, made Sean Charles Dunn a symbolic figure of opposition to Trump’s deployment of federal agents in combating crime in the capital. The acquittal on a misdemeanor charge represents a setback for prosecutors who have faced criticism for their handling of cases arising 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. However, Dunn’s defense team contended that the sandwich toss was a harmless protest gesture protected by the First Amendment, urging the jury to acquit him.
Following the jury’s decision, Dunn expressed relief and stated his readiness to move forward. He did not testify during the trial, but a body camera recording captured him admitting to throwing the sandwich as a diversionary tactic.
Initially facing a felony assault charge, Dunn was instead charged with a misdemeanor after a grand jury declined to indict him. The incident occurred when Dunn confronted CBP agents outside a club, hurling insults and a sandwich at them. The agent hit by the sandwich testified that it struck him hard enough to feel through his vest, with his colleagues later teasing him with lighthearted gifts related to the incident.
Despite the legal proceedings, Dunn’s lawyers raised concerns about his treatment, including his subsequent arrest by armed federal agents and dismissal from his Justice Department position. They argued that Dunn was unfairly targeted for his political speech, requesting the case be dismissed.
Dunn is accused of various charges related to assaulting and obstructing a federal officer. The case has drawn parallels to the prosecution of Trump supporters involved in the Capitol riot, many of whom were convicted of felonies, with Trump later pardoning or dismissing their charges.
