D.C. Jury Acquits Man in Sandwich-Throwing Case Involving Federal Agent

A Washington, D.C., jury has acquitted Sean Charles Dunn of misdemeanor assault charges stemming from an August incident where he threw a sandwich at a federal agent during a protest against the Trump administration's law enforcement surge. The verdict was reached after approximately seven hours of deliberation.

The incident occurred on August 10, when Dunn confronted federal officers outside a nightclub hosting a "Latin Night" event. Believing the officers were preparing for an immigration raid, Dunn called them "racists" and "fascists" before throwing his sandwich at U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent Gregory Lairmore. Lairmore, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, testified that the sandwich "exploded" upon impact, emitting the smell of onions and mustard, but he was not injured.

Dunn, a former Justice Department employee, was arrested following the incident and subsequently fired from his position. Prosecutors initially sought a felony assault charge, but a grand jury declined to indict on that count, leading to a misdemeanor charge for assaulting or impeding a federal officer.

The defense argued that Dunn was being targeted for his criticism of the Trump administration and that the sandwich toss was a harmless gesture causing no injury. During the trial, Lairmore acknowledged receiving gag gifts from colleagues, including a plush sandwich and a patch labeled "Felony Footlong."

Following the acquittal, Dunn expressed relief and a desire to move forward with his life.