When A Subway Sandwich Became A Symbol Of Protest
Incident and Charges
A man's act of throwing a sandwich at a border patrol agent during a protest in Washington, D.C., escalated into a significant legal case. Sean Charles Dunn was initially charged with a minor crime, avoiding the more serious charges that were initially considered.
Arguments from Both Sides
- Defense: Dunn's lawyers argued that the act was a form of protest, not an attempt to harm. They claimed it was an expression of disagreement with the agents.
- Prosecution: Prosecutors maintained that Dunn knew he was not allowed to throw objects at law enforcement officers.
Protest and Aftermath
During the protest, Dunn shouted phrases like "fascists" and "racists" at the agents, expressing his discontent with their presence. After the verdict, Dunn felt relieved and ready to move forward with his life. The jurors declined to comment to reporters post-trial.
Prosecution's Stance
Jeanine Pirro, the prosecutor in charge, emphasized that law enforcement should not be subjected to any form of assault. She compared the situation to children not being allowed to throw objects when angry.
Dunn's Background and Legal Journey
- Dunn was initially arrested and later rearrested when federal agents raided his home. The White House even shared a video of the raid on their official account.
- He previously worked for the Justice Department but was fired following his arrest. His lawyers claimed he was targeted due to his political views.
- Dunn did not testify during the trial, but his explanation was captured on a body camera. He stated he threw the sandwich to divert the agents' attention from a specific area.
Post-Verdict Statements
After being found not guilty, Dunn spoke about defending immigrants' rights, referencing the motto "e pluribus unum" ("from many, one"). One of his lawyers described the jury's decision as an affirmation that disagreeing with the government is legal and protected.
Agent's Reaction
The border patrol agent who was hit by the sandwich described feeling the impact through his protective vest. His colleagues even gifted him items related to the incident.
Similar Charges
Dunn faced charges similar to those levied against some Trump supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including assaulting a federal officer.