Sean Dunn, 'Sandwich Thrower,' Acquitted of Assaulting Federal Agent in D.C.
Sean Dunn was found not guilty of misdemeanor assault after throwing a sandwich at a federal agent in Washington, D.C., with his defense arguing it was a First Amendment-protected protest.
DC ‘sandwich guy’ acquitted amid broader jury nullification concerns
Washington Examiner
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Sean Dunn was acquitted of misdemeanor assault charges after a three-day trial in Washington, D.C., for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent.
- Dunn's lawyers successfully argued that throwing the sandwich was a harmless gesture, protected by the First Amendment as an act of protest or frustration.
- The incident, captured on video, led to Dunn's arrest and subsequent firing from his paralegal position at the Department of Justice.
- Prosecutors argued Dunn knew it was wrong to interfere with law enforcement, while the defense highlighted the act as political expression and accused abuse of power.
- The acquittal was seen by some as symbolizing D.C. residents' resistance to the Trump administration's deployment of federal agents and law enforcement surge.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by contextualizing the sandwich-throwing incident as a "defeat" for the Trump Justice Department, linking it to broader political tensions over federal law enforcement deployments. They emphasize the grand jury's "highly unusual rebuke" to prosecutors and highlight the defense's portrayal of the act as a "harmless gesture," collectively shaping a narrative critical of the administration's approach.
"Dunn's act of defiance led not only to viral fame, memes, and street murals, but an arrest warrant on his apartment, executed by 20 officers in riot gear (and a White House film crew)."
Reason"The case of the Subway sandwich has come to symbolize how many in the nation's capital feel about the Trump administration's surge of federal law enforcement to the city."
NPR"The jury's verdict comes after Customs and Border Patrol agent Gregory Lairmore testified that the snack "exploded all over him" and he "could smell the onions and mustard" on his uniform."
BBC News"The verdict was the latest defeat for Trump's Justice Department related to its crackdown in Washington."
USA TODAY"The acquittal of the man, Sean Dunn, comes after federal prosecutors failed to secure a felony indictment against him from a grand jury in Washington in the immediate aftermath of the incident."
CBS News"Dunn's misdemeanor acquittal is another setback for prosecutors, who have faced a backlash for their aggressive charging tactics during the law enforcement surge."
Associated Press"The jury showed no appetite for the Justice Department's case against "sandwich guy," finding him not guilty after several hours of deliberations."
NBC NewsArticles (17)
Center (7)
FAQ
Sean Dunn's defense argued that throwing the sandwich was a harmless gesture protected by the First Amendment as an act of protest or frustration.
Sean Dunn was arrested, charged with misdemeanor assault, and subsequently fired from his paralegal position at the Department of Justice.
Prosecutors argued that Sean Dunn knew it was wrong to interfere with law enforcement by throwing the sandwich at a federal agent.
The acquittal was seen by some as symbolizing D.C. residents' resistance to the Trump administration's deployment of federal agents and law enforcement surge.
Yes, the incident was captured on video and widely covered by the media, increasing public awareness and discussion.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.