WASHINGTON (AP) — A man has been charged with a felony after throwing a sandwich at a federal law enforcement official in Washington, D.C. Sean Charles Dunn, who worked as an international affairs specialist in the Justice Department's criminal division, has been fired from his position, confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi through a social media post on Thursday.
The incident occurred late Sunday night when Dunn confronted a group of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. According to a police affidavit, he directed aggressive language at an agent, labeling him a “fascist,” and threw what was described as a “sub-style” sandwich at the agent's chest. This confrontation caught the attention of bystanders, and a video capturing the event went viral online. Dunn reportedly shouted, “Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” before attempting to flee the scene, but was apprehended by police shortly after.
This altercation coincided with a heightened law enforcement presence in Washington, as the White House had recently increased patrols in response to ongoing political tensions. Dunn's actions have drawn attention to the ongoing debate about policing and federal intervention in cities, especially as former President Donald Trump has been vocal about the need for increased security measures, claiming that crime in the city has escalated to emergency levels. However, local officials argue that violent crime has actually decreased, citing statistics that show rates at a 30-year low.
Bondi's remarks emphasized a stance against disrespecting government officials and law enforcement, stating, “This is an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ. You will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement.”
Interestingly, while Dunn faced immediate consequences for his actions, the Justice Department continues to employ Jared Lane Wise, a former FBI agent who has been charged with participating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Wise currently serves as a counselor to Ed Martin Jr., a key figure in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. This juxtaposition highlights potential disparities in how different individuals within the justice system are held accountable for their actions.
Dunn, 37, resides in Washington, D.C., and his behavior has sparked conversations about the conduct and accountability of individuals who are part of the federal workforce. As situations involving clashes between the public and law enforcement become more prevalent, the implications of such incidents continue to resonate within the broader context of American social and political dynamics.
