A now-former Justice Department employee has been charged with felony assault after authorities say he threw a Subway sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer in Washington, D.C., during a heated confrontation near a busy nightlife district.
Sean Charles Dunn, who worked in the criminal division’s international affairs section, was fired following his arrest, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday in a post on X.
“I just learned that this defendant worked at the Department of Justice — NO LONGER,” Bondi wrote. “Not only is he FIRED, he has been charged with a felony.”
Background
The incident occurred Sunday night on U Street, where CBP officers were patrolling as part of President Donald Trump’s expanded law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital, according to prosecutors.
Court filings say Dunn, holding what appeared to be a wrapped footlong sandwich, stood within inches of one officer and shouted profanities, including “F— you! You f—–g fascists! Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city.”
The Alleged Assault
Video of the confrontation, which has gone viral, appears to show Dunn hurling the sandwich at the officer’s chest. The officer was wearing a bulletproof vest at the time.
Prosecutors say Dunn then tried to run but was quickly apprehended. During booking, he allegedly admitted to the act, telling a D.C. police officer, “I did it. I threw a sandwich.”
Court documents describe the weapon as a “sub-style sandwich” but do not specify its contents.
Government Response
Bondi used the case to criticize what she called entrenched resistance within federal agencies. “He’s an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ,” she said.
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro posted her own statement on X, saying Dunn “thought the Subway strike was funny” but “doesn’t think it’s funny today” after being charged.
“We’re going to back the police to the hilt,” Pirro added. “So there, stick your Subway sandwich somewhere else.”
Next Steps
Dunn faces a felony charge of assaulting a police officer. His attorney did not respond to requests for comment. A court date has not yet been set.
Bondi warned others that her office will take similar action in future cases. “If you touch any law enforcement officer, we will come after you,” she said.
