A former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington was found not guilty of assault on Thursday, marking another legal setback for prosecutors tied to the operation.
According to The Associated Press, Sean Charles Dunn became a viral figure after video captured him tossing a sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent on Aug. 10, 2020. His lawyers argued the act was a “harmless gesture” protected by the First Amendment, while prosecutors said Dunn knew he had no right to throw it.
Dunn shouted “fascists,” “racists,” and “shame” at the group of agents standing outside a club hosting “Latin Night,” according to police. “Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” he yelled.
The Justice Department initially sought a felony assault charge, but a grand jury declined to indict. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office later pursued a misdemeanor case instead.
After the verdict was read, Dunn hugged his lawyers and said, “I’m relieved and I’m looking forward to moving on with my life.”
Court officers escorted the 12 jurors out of the courthouse as reporters followed, though none agreed to be interviewed.
Following the incident, Dunn fled the scene but was later apprehended. He was released, then rearrested when armed federal agents in riot gear raided his home—a moment the White House promoted in a video on its official X account, according to his attorneys.
Dunn, who worked as an international affairs specialist in the Justice Department’s criminal division, was fired after his arrest. Then–Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his termination in a social media post, calling him “an example of the Deep State.”
Dunn’s legal team accused prosecutors of selective and vindictive prosecution, pointing to the statements by Bondi and the White House as proof he was targeted for his political expression.
