Man, Sean Dunn Accused of Assaulting Federal Agent with Sandwich During D.C. Protest Charged with Federal Offense
A Washington, D.C., man who allegedly hurled a sandwich at a federal law enforcement officer earlier this week has been formally charged with assaulting a federal officer. The incident occurred amid rising tensions in the city as federal agents and National Guard troops increased their presence in anticipation of political unrest.
Identity of Suspect
According to authorities, the suspect—identified as 37-year-old Sean C. Dunn—threw a “sub-style” sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer on Sunday night. The officer was part of a federal patrol unit deployed across Washington just before former President Donald Trump publicly announced his administration’s decision to temporarily take control of local law enforcement operations in the capital. This move included the deployment of federal officers and National Guard personnel to monitor public areas and respond to demonstrations.
Video footage of the incident quickly gained widespread attention online. It captured a visibly agitated man yelling at a group of uniformed federal officers near the intersection of 14th and U Streets NW—a busy neighborhood known for its nightlife and restaurants. The man can be heard shouting, “Shame! Shame!” at the agents from across the street. He repeatedly called the officers “fascists” as bystanders looked on.
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The video shows the man eventually crossing the street to get closer to the agents. At one point, he demanded they step back, continuing to criticize and confront them. After several minutes of verbal confrontation, the man stopped, pulled back his arm, and threw a sandwich directly at one of the CBP officers, hitting him in the chest. Immediately after the act, the man fled into the street, prompting a pursuit by several officers.
The incident was later detailed in an affidavit filed by Daina Henry, a detective with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The document included screenshots taken from the viral video, showing the moment the sandwich was thrown. Detective Henry stated that after being apprehended, Dunn admitted to the act, reportedly saying, “I did it. I threw the sandwich.”
Sean Dunn yet to be presented
As of now, no attorney has been publicly listed for Mr. Dunn, and court documents do not show any upcoming hearings. He was reportedly released by WMATA police pending a future court date. Dunn has not made any public statements or responded to media inquiries regarding the incident.
The charge he faces—assaulting a federal officer—is a serious federal offense. Under U.S. law, it carries a base penalty of up to one year in prison. However, if prosecutors argue that the assault involved physical contact or was committed with intent to carry out another felony, the sentence could extend to a maximum of eight years behind bars.
While the officer struck by the sandwich did not appear to suffer any injuries, and he was seen immediately pursuing the suspect, the case has sparked polarized reactions. For some in Washington, the video has come to symbolize growing public resentment toward the presence of federal law enforcement on the city’s streets—particularly in light of Trump’s move to override local control. Others, however, have criticized the act as a blatant sign of disrespect toward law enforcement officers and a concerning erosion of civility in public discourse.
Sean Dunn’s Case against Federal Agent Filed to Court
The case has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office now overseen by Jeanine Pirro. Pirro, a controversial legal figure and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, was nominated during Trump’s presidency and has endorsed his latest law-and-order initiatives.
In an online video statement, Pirro confirmed that the sandwich thrown at the officer was believed to be from Subway, referencing a photo of a Subway sandwich wrapper reportedly recovered from the scene. “He thought it was funny,” she said, referring to Dunn. “Well, he doesn’t think it’s funny today, because we’ve charged him with a felony.”
The incident adds to ongoing national debates about civil disobedience, law enforcement authority, and federal involvement in local policing. It also highlights the often-unpredictable nature of protests and public confrontations during politically charged times in the nation’s capital.
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