A former Justice Division worker who threw a sandwich at a federal agent throughout President Donald Trump’s legislation enforcement surge in Washington was discovered not responsible of assault on Thursday within the newest authorized rebuke of the federal intervention.
A viral video of the sandwich tossing made Sean Charles Dunn an emblem of resistance to Trump’s deployment of federal brokers to fight crime within the nation’s capital. His misdemeanor acquittal is one other setback for prosecutors, who’ve confronted a backlash for the way they’ve dealt with prison circumstances ensuing from the legislation enforcement surge.
There was no dispute over whether or not Dunn threw the sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Safety agent on the night time of Aug. 10. However his legal professionals argued it was a “innocent gesture” throughout an act of protest protected by the First Modification.
Prosecutors mentioned Dunn knew he didn’t have a proper to throw the sandwich on the agent.
Dunn hugged his legal professionals after the foreperson learn the decision. Later, he mentioned, “I’m relieved and I’m wanting ahead to transferring on with my life.”
A grand jury refused to indict Dunn on a felony assault rely, a part of a sample of pushback in opposition to the Justice Division’s prosecution of surge-related prison circumstances. After the uncommon rebuke from the grand jury, the workplace of U.S. Legal professional Jeanine Pirro charged Dunn with a misdemeanor.
When Dunn approached a bunch of CBP brokers who have been in entrance of a membership internet hosting a “Latin Evening,” he known as them “fascists” and “racists” and chanted “disgrace” towards them. An observer’s video captured Dunn throwing a sandwich at an agent’s chest.
“Why are you right here? I don’t need you in my metropolis!” Dunn shouted, in line with police.
Dunn ran away however was apprehended. He was launched from custody however rearrested when armed federal brokers in riot gear raided his dwelling. The White Home posted a extremely produced “propaganda” video of the raid on its official X account, Dunn’s legal professionals mentioned.
Dunn labored as a global affairs specialist within the Justice Division’s prison division. After Dunn’s arrest, Legal professional Normal Pam Bondi introduced his firing in a social media publish that referred to him as “an instance of the Deep State.”
Dunn legal professionals urged the choose to dismiss the case for what they alleged was a vindictive and selective prosecution. They argued that the posts by Bondi and the White Home present Dunn was impermissibly focused for his political speech.
