D.C. ‘Sandwich Guy’ Sean Dunn Acquitted of Assault After Throwing Sub at Federal Agent
Sean Charles Dunn, a former Justice Department employee, was found not guilty of federal misdemeanor assault charges after throwing a submarine sandwich at a federal agent in Washington, D.C. The incident, which quickly went viral, had made Dunn a notable figure representing opposition to the deployment of federal agents in the city during heightened tensions over crime and law enforcement tactics.
The case attracted widespread attention since a video of Dunn tossing the sandwich at a federal officer circulated on social media, symbolizing resistance against the federal agents sent to combat crime in the nation’s capital under former President Trump’s administration. However, despite the dramatic imagery, a federal jury concluded that Dunn’s actions did not meet the legal criteria for assault.
Dunn spoke publicly following the verdict, expressing relief and reaffirming his stance as a critic of the federal presence. The acquittal highlights ongoing debates around federal law enforcement methods and civil disobedience amid efforts to address crime in urban areas.
The charge stemmed from the May 2025 incident, when federal agents had been deployed in several U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., to support local authorities. These deployments triggered protests and heightened scrutiny over agents’ roles and accountability.
Legal experts noted that the jury likely considered factors such as the nature of the sandwich as a projectile and whether it caused injury or posed real threat to the agent involved. The ruling suggests that symbolic acts of protest, even when directed at law enforcement officers, may not always qualify as assault under federal law.
The trial’s conclusion does little to settle the debate over federal involvement in local law enforcement, which remains a contentious political issue. Advocates for federal intervention argue it enhances crime-fighting capabilities, while critics warn about overreach and civil rights implications.
Sean Dunn now joins a number of activists who have used creative forms of protest to capture national attention and challenge law enforcement tactics at moments of social unrest.