Washington, D.C. — A Justice Department employee who hurled a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent earlier this month has been charged with misdemeanor assault, one day after prosecutors failed to secure a felony indictment from a grand jury.
The incident, captured in a viral video, unfolded amid heightened tensions following former President Donald Trump’s directive to deploy additional federal law enforcement officers to the capital.
What Happened on U Street
According to court filings, Sean Dunn, 37, confronted CBP officers on August 10 in D.C.’s U Street Corridor, a neighborhood historically tied to the civil rights movement and now a bustling nightlife area.
Prosecutors said Dunn shouted at officers before throwing his sandwich:
“F— you! You f—ing fascists! Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!”
The sandwich — identified as a salami sub — struck one of the federal agents in the chest. Dunn allegedly tried to flee but was arrested immediately by officers.
Key details from the complaint include:
- Incident date: August 10
- Location: U Street Corridor, Washington, D.C.
- Object thrown: Salami sandwich
- Charge filed: Misdemeanor assault
- Age of defendant: 37
DOJ Employee Fired After Arrest
At the time of the incident, Dunn was working in the international affairs section of the Justice Department’s criminal division, according to a Justice Department employee who spoke with NBC News.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Dunn was promptly terminated.
“You will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement,” Bondi said in a statement.
The viral nature of the video led some local residents to view Dunn as a symbol of resistance against Trump’s federal law enforcement surge. In fact, Banksy-inspired street art of a man throwing a sandwich has appeared on walls across the city, Washingtonian magazine reported.
Grand Jury Declines Felony Charge
Prosecutors had initially sought a felony assault charge, which required approval from a D.C. grand jury. But on Wednesday, jurors declined to indict, suggesting there was not enough probable cause to pursue the more serious offense.
The decision marked a significant setback for federal prosecutors, who have struggled in similar cases. As reported by The New York Times, a D.C. grand jury previously refused to indict a woman accused of assaulting FBI agents during an immigration-related protest.
The choice by jurors also reflected local opposition to Trump’s deployment of federal agents, which critics described as heavy-handed and politically motivated.
Community Reactions in D.C.
The case has divided opinion in Washington. Some see Dunn’s act as criminal behavior against law enforcement, while others interpret it as a political statement against federal overreach.
“The jury’s decision shows the community does not support criminalizing resistance in this way,” one D.C. activist told local media.
Public backlash against Trump’s “law and order” surge continues, with critics labeling it unnecessary and racially biased. The misdemeanor charge against Dunn ensures the case will proceed, but without the weight of a felony conviction hanging over him.
Looking Ahead
As the case moves forward, questions remain about how D.C. residents will continue to push back against federal policing tactics. The mistrust between communities and law enforcement remains a central theme, and this incident underscores the tensions still lingering in the capital.
What do you think about this unusual case and the jury’s decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
