Washington, D.C. — A grand jury has chosen not to indict a man charged with felony assault for allegedly throwing a sandwich at a federal officer involved in a law enforcement program initiated by former President Donald Trump. Sean Dunn, 37, was released earlier this month after his arrest, which took place at the intersection of 14th Street and U Street NW.
Reports indicate that the grand jury’s decision not to press charges against Dunn was made public by various sources. His situation highlights ongoing tensions between local residents and federal law enforcement actions, which have become particularly pronounced under Trump’s administration.
Dunn, previously employed as a paralegal with the Justice Department, was charged with a federal assault offense that could carry a prison sentence of up to eight years. Court documents described how he confronted officers and allegedly called them “fascists” before throwing the sandwich. Following the incident, Dunn reportedly confessed to law enforcement, stating, “I did it. I threw the sandwich.”
His arrest gained attention on social media, where it was used by the White House to illustrate the perceived failures of cashless bail policies in the District. However, it’s important to note that the Federal Court operates under a different system. Dunn’s case served as an unintended symbol of local resistance to federal oversight, which has been a contentious issue in the capital.
Shortly after the arrest, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro posted a video on social media, warning potential imitators of the consequences of such actions. “This guy thought I was funny—well, he doesn’t think it’s funny today, because we charged him with a felony,” she stated.
The decision by the grand jury is a rarity, as these bodies typically do not decline to indict when presented with evidence from federal prosecutors. They are expected to find probable cause for charges, a standard met during most proceedings.
In another recent case involving federal law enforcement, a grand jury also declined to indict a woman accused of attacking an FBI agent during an arrest related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Following that decision, prosecutors resorted to filing a lesser misdemeanor charge.
Dunn’s attorney refrained from commenting on the grand jury’s ruling. Under current Justice Department guidelines, prosecutors retain the option to seek a new indictment with the necessary approval. Due to the felony nature of Dunn’s charge, federal law stipulates that he must be indicted by a grand jury within 30 days of his arrest. If an indictment is unattainable, federal authorities could pursue a criminal complaint for a lesser offense.
This case encapsulates the ongoing complexities of law enforcement in the District, especially amid heightened scrutiny of federal interventions in local issues.
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