Trial Commences for Former DOJ Employee Accused of Assaulting Federal Agent with Sandwich
Sean C. Dunn, a former Justice Department paralegal, faces trial for allegedly throwing a sandwich at a federal agent during a protest in Washington, D.C.
The trial of Sean C. Dunn, a former Department of Justice paralegal, began on Monday in Washington, D.C. Dunn is charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent during an August protest. The incident, captured on video, has become emblematic of local opposition to the federal deployment of agents in the city.
According to court documents, Dunn approached a group of CBP agents, pointed a finger at one officer, and used profanities, referring to them as "fascists." He then threw a sandwich at the agent's chest and attempted to flee but was apprehended.
Initially, federal prosecutors sought a felony assault charge against Dunn. However, a grand jury declined to indict him on that count, leading to the current misdemeanor charge.
Following his arrest, Dunn was terminated from his position at the Justice Department. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, "I just learned that this defendant worked at the Department of Justice — NO LONGER."
Dunn's defense team argues that the prosecution is a retaliatory response to his political speech against the federal presence in Washington. They contend that the act of throwing a sandwich at a "fully armed, heavily protected" agent would not typically result in federal charges.
The case is being presided over by Judge Carl J. Nichols, a Trump appointee. Jury selection may be influenced by the incident's notoriety, as it has inspired local artwork and become a symbol of protest against the federal law enforcement surge in the city.
Source
The New York TimesFact-checking
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