(Headline USA) DC jurors convicted numerous Jan. 6 protestors who were totally peaceful when they entered the Capitol, but they decided to let a former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent off the hook.
Sean Charles Dunn, who hurled his subway sandwich at an agent in a fit of rage during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington, was found not guilty of assault on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal intervention.
There was no dispute over whether Dunn threw the sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent on the night of Aug. 10. But his lawyers argued it was a “harmless gesture” during an act of protest protected by the First Amendment.
Sandwich thrower found NOT GUILTY of assault
Sean Dunn became a symbol of resistance when he threw a sub sandwich at a federal law enforcement agent in Washington, DC
Despite the footage, a court found him not guilty
Dunn was however fired from his Department of Justice job pic.twitter.com/Boqn21WbeF
— RT (@RT_com) November 6, 2025
Prosecutors said Dunn knew he did not have a right to throw the sandwich at the agent.
Dunn hugged his lawyers after the foreperson read the verdict. Later, he said, “I’m relieved and I’m looking forward to moving on with my life.”
A grand jury refused to indict Dunn on a felony assault count. After the rare rebuke from the grand jury, the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro charged Dunn with a misdemeanor.
When Dunn approached a group of CBP agents who were in front of a club hosting a “Latin Night,” he called them “fascists” and “racists” and chanted “shame” toward them. An observer’s video captured Dunn throwing a sandwich at an agent’s chest.
“Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” Dunn shouted, according to police.
Dunn ran away but was apprehended. He was released from custody but rearrested when armed federal agents in riot gear raided his home. The White House posted a highly produced “propaganda” video of the raid on its official X account, Dunn’s lawyers said.
Dunn worked as an international affairs specialist in the Justice Department’s criminal division. After Dunn’s arrest, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his firing in a social media post that referred to him as “an example of the Deep State.”
Dunn lawyers urged the judge to dismiss the case for what they alleged was a vindictive and selective prosecution. They argued that the posts by Bondi and the White House show Dunn was impermissibly targeted for his political speech.
Adapted from reporting by the Associated Press.
