A former employee of the Justice Department found himself in court this past Wednesday, remaining silent after being charged with misdemeanor assault. Shawn Charles Dunn, 37, appeared in a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., and admitted through the microphone that he was “not innocent.”
Judge Carl Nichols announced that the trial is scheduled to commence on November 3. Dunn left the courthouse without commenting, accompanied by his lawyer, Sabrina Shroff.
Dunn had previously worked as an interior affairs specialist in the DOJ’s criminal division and was initially charged with felony assault for allegedly throwing a sandwich at a customs border protection agent.
Federal prosecutors decided to drop the felony charges, opting instead for misdemeanor counts of assault and obstruction after failing to secure a higher charge.
Witnesses recorded Dunn approaching the group of CBP agents while yelling insults, including “fascists,” before launching a sandwich at one officer. He was also heard shouting, “I don’t want you in my city!” during the altercation on August 10 at the intersection of 14th Avenue and U Street.
After the incident, Dunn attempted to flee, but officers apprehended him. Following his arrest, he was dismissed from his position at the DOJ.
Since August 7, over 2,000 arrests have been made in response to increased federal law enforcement presence in the capital, with at least 850 federal agents deployed.
With post wire
