Trial of Man Accused of Throwing Sandwich at Federal Agent
A man in Washington, D.C., is on trial for allegedly throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Sean Dunn contends that his action was a form of protest rather than an assault.
Dunn faces several charges, including assault and obstructing a federal officer. At the time of the incident, he worked as an international affairs specialist with the Department of Justice.
The charges result from an event on August 10, when Dunn reportedly threw the sandwich to express his opposition to President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in the capital. “Regardless of the situation, throwing things at people is not acceptable,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pallone at the trial’s start.
Dunn admits to throwing the sandwich but insists it was meant as an emphatic expression regarding the military presence in the city. His lawyer, Julia Gatto, asserted in court that the act was innocuous and an exercise of free speech, declaring Dunn “overwhelmingly innocent.”
Following the incident, video footage gained popularity, with some locals even viewing Dunn as a hero, reflecting a broader discontent with federal actions in Washington, D.C.
Gatto argued, “He did throw the sandwich, sure, but the U.S. Attorney has escalated this into a serious criminal case.” Yet, Pallone disagreed, emphasizing to the jury that Dunn’s actions crossed a line.
A grand jury had previously chosen not to indict Dunn on felony assault charges, leading to a misdemeanor indictment instead. The CBP agent involved, Gregory Laremore, testified that the sandwich “exploded” on him and described its smell, adding a vivid detail to the courtroom atmosphere.
Laremore recounted how Dunn approached a group of agents outside a nightclub, shouting profanities and insults. “I didn’t react. Everyone has a right to express their opinions,” Laremore stated calmly.
After allegedly throwing the sandwich, Dunn fled but was later apprehended nearby. Body camera footage from the arrest showed Dunn making comments about trying to relocate the agents.
As the trial continues, reactions from both sides remain intense, leaving questions about the boundaries of protest and acceptable conduct in public spaces.
