Jury Deliberates in Misdemeanor Assault Trial of Former DOJ Employee Over Sandwich-Throwing Protest
A jury is deliberating the misdemeanor assault trial of Sean Charles Dunn, a former DOJ employee, accused of throwing a sandwich at a federal agent.
Overview
- Former Justice Department employee Sean Charles Dunn is on trial for misdemeanor assault, accused of throwing a sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent in Washington, D.C.
- Dunn's action, captured in a viral video, occurred during a protest against President Trump's law-enforcement surge, where he called agents 'fascists' and 'racists'.
- Initially facing felony assault charges, a grand jury refused to indict Dunn, leading to the current misdemeanor charge brought by the U.S. Attorney's office.
- During the two-day trial, Dunn did not testify, while his lawyer argued for acquittal, asserting the act was political speech and not a crime.
- The jury is now deliberating Dunn's fate, following his rearrest by armed federal agents after an initial release, making him a symbol of resistance.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced account of the legal proceedings and surrounding context. They avoid loaded language and ensure both prosecution and defense arguments are clearly articulated, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. The reporting focuses on factual developments and attributed statements.
"Dunn became somewhat of a symbol of resistance in Washington, the subject of murals and Halloween costumes for those showing support for pushing back on the Trump administration’s takeover of policing in the city."
NBC News"A jury began deliberating Wednesday in the Justice Department's assault case against a man who threw a sandwich at a federal agent, turning him into a symbol of resistance to President Donald Trump’s law-enforcement surge in the nation's capital."
ABC News"Dunn's lawyers urged the judge to dismiss the case for what they allege is a vindictive and selective prosecution."
Associated Press"A man charged with assault for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent calls it an act of protest."
ABC News"Dunn doesn’t dispute that he threw his submarine-style sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent outside a nightclub on the night of Aug. 10."
Associated Press"The judge presiding over Dunn's trial seemed to acknowledge how unusual it is for a case like this to be heard in federal court."
CBS NewsArticles (11)
Center (6)
FAQ
A grand jury initially refused to indict Dunn on the more serious felony assault charge, which prompted the U.S. Attorney’s office to proceed with a misdemeanor assault charge instead.
The viral video captured Dunn throwing a sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent during a protest, which became a key piece of evidence in the case and contributed to the public notoriety of the incident.
Dunn’s lawyer contended that throwing the sandwich was an act of political protest, reflecting dissent against President Trump’s law-enforcement surge, and thus protected by free speech rights rather than constituting criminal assault.
Dunn was rearrested by armed federal agents after his initial release; this enforcement action intensified media attention and cast him as a symbol of resistance against aggressive government prosecution.
The protest was directed against President Trump’s deployment of additional law enforcement to Washington, D.C., with Dunn and other demonstrators criticizing agents as 'fascists' and 'racists'.
History
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