D.C. Jury Acquits Subway Sandwich Thrower: NPR Report
A jury in Washington, D.C., has acquitted Sean Charles Dunn, who faced an assault charge for throwing a Subway sandwich at a federal officer. The verdict was delivered after approximately seven hours of deliberation on Thursday.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on August 10, 2025, during a federal law enforcement operation in the U Street corridor. Dunn became involved after he expressed his frustration with federal officers, whom he accused of being racists and fascists. The altercation took place as Dunn believed an immigration raid was imminent at a local gay nightclub during Latin Night.
The Throwing of the Sandwich
- Dunn threw a hoagie at Gregory Lairmore, an agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Lairmore was unharmed but described the sandwich as having exploded upon impact, with a strong smell of onions and mustard.
Legal Proceedings
Initially, Dunn faced a felony assault charge. However, a grand jury did not indict him on that count. Consequently, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor for impeding a federal officer.
- Prosecutors argued that throwing objects at law enforcement is unacceptable.
- Dunn’s defense team countered that the act was minor and posed no real threat.
Reactions Post-Trial
After the acquittal, Dunn expressed relief, stating he was eager to move forward with his life. His actions have sparked discussions about the public sentiment towards increased federal law enforcement in the nation’s capital, particularly during the Trump era.
The courtroom proceedings highlighted the absurdity of the situation, turning what was seen as a harmless gesture into a significant legal case.
Implications of the Verdict
The jury’s decision reflects broader societal tensions in a politically charged environment. As federal law enforcement continues to face scrutiny, Dunn’s case serves as a poignant reminder of public sentiment towards governmental authority.
