Federal Judge Expects Two-Day Trial in D.C. Sandwich-Throwing Case

Sean Charles Dunn, a former Justice Department employee, is on trial in Washington, D.C., for throwing a sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent, an act captured on video that sparked widespread attention and became a symbol of resistance against President Trump's federal enforcement efforts in the city. The case, described by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols — appointed by President Trump — as "the simplest case in the world," is expected to last no more than two days. Dunn was initially charged with a felony, but a grand jury declined to indict, leading prosecutors to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor. The incident occurred amid President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents to augment local law enforcement, a move that has been controversial in Washington, D.C. Dunn confronted CBP agents outside a nightclub, shouting profanities and calling them fascists, before throwing the sandwich at Agent Gregory Lairmore's chest. The government aims to prove Dunn broke the law despite local support and murals celebrating his act, and the defense criticized the White House for a "propaganda" video of the federal raid on Dunn's home, which followed his initial release and rearrest.