Former Justice Department Employee Found Not Guilty of Assault
A former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington was found not guilty of assault on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal intervention.
A viral video of the sandwich tossing made Sean Charles Dunn a symbol of resistance to Trump’s deployment of federal agents to combat crime in the nation’s capital.
His misdemeanor acquittal is another setback for prosecutors, who have faced a backlash for their aggressive charging tactics during the law enforcement surge.
The Justice Department had initially sought a felony assault indictment against Dunn, but in a highly unusual move, the grand jury declined to sign off on the felony charge. The office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro then charged Dunn with a misdemeanor.
Background of the Incident
There was no dispute over whether Dunn threw the sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent on the night of Aug. 10. But his lawyers argued it was a “harmless gesture” during an act of protest protected by the First Amendment.
Prosecutors said Dunn knew he did not have a right to throw the sandwich at the agent. Dunn shouted “fascists” and “racists” and chanted “shame” toward the group of agents who were in front of a club hosting a “Latin Night.”
“Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” Dunn shouted, according to police.
Reaction to the Verdict
Dunn hugged his lawyers after the foreperson read the verdict. Later, he said, “I’m relieved and I’m looking forward to moving on with my life.”
Court officers escorted the 12 jurors out of the building with a gaggle of reporters following. Several jurors, including the foreperson, declined to be interviewed.
Arrest and Raid
Dunn ran away after hitting the agent with the sandwich but was apprehended. He was released from custody but rearrested when armed federal agents in riot gear raided his home. The White House posted a highly produced “propaganda” video of the raid on its official X account, Dunn’s lawyers said.
Dunn worked as an international affairs specialist in the Justice Department’s criminal division. After Dunn’s arrest, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his firing in a social media post that referred to him as “an example of the Deep State.”
Allegations of Vindictive Prosecution
Dunn lawyers urged the judge to dismiss the case for what they alleged was a vindictive and selective prosecution. They argued the posts by Bondi and the White House show Dunn was impermissibly targeted for his political speech.
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Conclusion
The acquittal of Sean Charles Dunn is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the role of federal agents in law enforcement and the limits of free speech. As the case highlights the complexities of protest and the First Amendment, it also raises questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the accountability of government officials.
FAQs
Q: What was Sean Charles Dunn charged with?
A: Dunn was charged with misdemeanor assault for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent.
Q: What was the outcome of the trial?
A: Dunn was found not guilty of assault.
Q: Why did Dunn throw the sandwich at the agent?
A: Dunn threw the sandwich as a form of protest against the presence of federal agents in Washington, D.C.
Q: What was the reaction to the verdict?
A: Dunn expressed relief and looked forward to moving on with his life, while his lawyers argued that the case was an example of vindictive prosecution.
