A federal jury in Washington, D.C., has acquitted Sean Charles Dunn, a former paralegal for the Department of Justice, of assaulting a federal agent with a sandwich. This surprising verdict came after just a few hours of deliberation on Thursday, signaling a significant setback for the prosecution led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
The incident in question occurred on August 10, 2025, in the U Street corridor, where Dunn allegedly threw a Subway sandwich at Customs and Border Protection Officer Greg Lairmore. This confrontation took place during a federal law enforcement deployment, as President Donald Trump had sent agents to D.C. to address his claims of increasing crime in the area.
Before the trial commenced, prosecutors faced challenges in securing a grand jury indictment against Dunn. Initially charged with felony assault, the DOJ later downgraded the charges to a misdemeanor, which led to the trial this week. During the altercation, Dunn reportedly shouted at the officers, expressing his disdain for their presence and referring to them in derogatory terms.
As a result of the incident and subsequent arrest, Dunn was terminated from his position at the Department of Justice, where he was employed in the criminal division’s international affairs section.
This case serves as an example of the legal complexities that arise from confrontations between civilians and law enforcement, especially during heightened political climates. The jury’s decision may reflect a growing sentiment among the public concerning law enforcement’s presence in local communities, prompting discussions about the balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights of citizens.