Washington, D.C. — A former Justice Department lawyer faces new legal troubles after being charged with throwing a sandwich at a federal officer during an altercation on Capitol Hill. Sean Charles Dunn, who was fired following his arrest, initially faced more severe allegations, but recent developments have led to a lesser charge being filed by prosecutors.
The incident occurred in early August when Dunn allegedly hurled a sub sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer while expressing his discontent with law enforcement. Witnesses reported that he shouted at the officers present at the scene, referring to one as a “fascist.” As a result of this act, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed charges against Dunn on Thursday, a few weeks after a grand jury opted not to indict him.
After the grand jury’s decision, prosecutors downgraded the offense to a charge of assault, which carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison. The legal process is now facilitated by an “information” charge instead of an indictment, allowing the case to move forward directly to a judge for review.
Dunn was taken into custody on August 10 after the confrontation and released the next day. Reports indicate that he attempted to surrender voluntarily when he learned about the warrant for his arrest. Law enforcement officials, including a significant number of deputies, converged on his apartment for the arrest.
The high-profile nature of Dunn’s arrest drew attention, particularly when a promotional video released by the White House showcased heavily armed law enforcement officials approaching his residence. A federal judge overseeing the case later deemed Dunn did not pose a threat to the community and released him from custody.
Dunn has yet to file any motions related to the charges, and the case has been assigned to a federal judge in D.C. for proceedings. His attorney has opted not to comment on the unfolding situation.
As this case develops, it continues to underscore the tension between protest actions and law enforcement response, particularly in the politically charged atmosphere surrounding Capitol Hill. The incident has resonated among groups advocating for police accountability, prompting discussions about the boundaries of protest and the responsibilities of law enforcement in managing public demonstrations.
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