POLITICS

Sandwich Toss: Protest or Crime?

Washington, D.C., USAWed Nov 05 2025

Incident Details

  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • Date: August 10
  • Defendant: Sean Charles Dunn
  • Action: Threw a sandwich at a federal agent

Prosecution's Argument

  • Throwing objects at others is not an acceptable way to express disagreement.
  • No one should engage in such actions just because they are angry.

Defense's Argument

  • The sandwich toss was a harmless gesture.
  • Dunn was exercising his right to protest.

Key Testimonies

  • Federal Agent Gregory Lairmore:
  • The sandwich hit him hard enough to feel it through his protective vest.
  • Smelled onions and mustard.
  • Dunn had been shouting insults at the agents before throwing the sandwich.
  • Defense's Point:
  • Agents later joked about the incident, suggesting they did not take it too seriously.

Background

  • Dunn used to work for the Justice Department but was fired after his arrest.
  • His lawyers claim he was targeted for his political views.

Case Implications

  • Raises questions about what constitutes a protest.
  • Where is the line drawn between free speech and criminal behavior?

questions

    What criteria should be used to determine when a protest action crosses the line into criminal behavior?
    Are the gifts given to Agent Lairmore by his colleagues a sign of internal dissent within the federal agency?
    Is the White House's involvement in publicizing the raid on Dunn's home indicative of a broader agenda?

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