Protester’s Sandwich Throw Leaves Mustard Stain on Border Agent, Court Hears
An unusual court case has emerged in Washington, D.C., centering on a protester charged with assault after throwing a sandwich at a government agent. Sean Dunn, 37, is standing trial following his actions during a demonstration in August. The protest was part of a response to the deployment of federal law enforcement in the capital.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on August 10 around 11:00 PM when Dunn confronted a group of officers, calling them “fascists” and questioning their presence. This aggressive encounter culminated in Dunn launching a deli-style sandwich at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent Gregory Lairmore. Lairmore testified that he felt the impact through his ballistic vest and described how the sandwich “exploded” on him, leaving him with a mustard stain and a strong smell of onions.
Court Proceedings
Dunn’s actions were captured on video, prompting widespread attention and making him a notable figure among those opposing President Trump’s policies. Initially, prosecutors sought felony charges against him, but a grand jury ultimately chose not to indict. As a result, he has been charged with misdemeanor assault.
Testimonies in Court
- Agent Gregory Lairmore: Testified about the sandwich hitting him and the strong scent that lingered.
- Defense Attorney Julia Gatto: Claimed the sandwich throw was a harmless gesture not intended to cause injury.
- Prosecutor John Parron: Argued that throwing objects in anger is unacceptable behavior, regardless of context.
Context of the Protest
The unrest in Washington was partly fueled by President Trump’s controversial decision to deploy National Guard troops, which many residents viewed as politicizing the military. Dunn’s protest represents a growing sentiment among certain groups opposing federal actions in their city.
Consequences of the Incident
Following the sandwich incident, Dunn lost his job as a paralegal at the Department of Justice, illustrating the serious ramifications of his actions. As the case proceeds, it has sparked a debate about protest behaviors and the boundaries of civil disobedience in the context of perceived governmental overreach.
