Sean Charles Dunn, a former Justice Department employee, was found not guilty of assault after throwing a sandwich at a federal agent during a protest against President Trump's law enforcement surge. The viral incident made Dunn a symbol of resistance, and his acquittal is seen as a rebuke of federal intervention and prosecutors' aggressive tactics.
A jury acquitted Sean Charles Dunn, a former Justice Department paralegal, of misdemeanor assault after he threw a sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent in Washington D.C. during President Donald Trump's law enforcement surge. The incident, captured in a viral video, made Dunn a symbol of resistance to Trump's deployment of federal agents. Prosecutors initially sought a felony assault indictment, but a grand jury declined, leading to the misdemeanor charge. Dunn's lawyers argued it was a 'harmless gesture' protected by the First Amendment, part of a protest where Dunn shouted 'fascists' and 'racists' at agents. Prosecutors contended Dunn knew he had no right to throw the object. After his arrest, which included federal agents raiding his home and the White House posting a 'propaganda' video of it, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his firing, labeling him 'an example of the Deep State.' Dunn's defense also alleged vindictive and selective prosecution, citing the political targeting. Following the 'not guilty' verdict, Dunn expressed relief, stating he was trying to protect immigrants' rights and that 'dissent is what is not just tolerated, it is legal. It is welcome.' U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, appointed by Trump, accepted the verdict but maintained that 'law enforcement should never be subjected to assault, no matter how 'minor.'' The acquittal represents another setback for prosecutors who faced backlash for their charging tactics during the surge. Agent Gregory Lairmore testified the sandwich 'exploded' on his chest, though colleagues later gave him humorous gifts related to the incident.
