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LetMyPeopleVote

(172,659 posts)
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:37 PM Nov 6

Jury finds D.C. sandwich thrower Sean Dunn not guilty of misdemeanor assault

Source: MSNBC- Deadline: Legal Blog

Sean Dunn was found not guilty by a Washington, D.C., jury of a misdemeanor charge of assaulting a federal officer with a sandwich, The Associated Press reported. The verdict in the case of the man who became a folk hero in the nation’s capital follows a D.C. grand jury’s refusal to approve a felony indictment against him — seemingly a much rarer occurrence prior to Donald Trump’s second presidential term.

But this year has featured several such occurrences, in both the grand jury and at trial, in cases involving alleged assaults on law enforcement and the alleged solicitation of violence against Trump himself. Another D.C. jury returned a not guilty verdict in the case of Sidney Reid, whom prosecutors also charged with a misdemeanor assault after grand jurors refused to indict her an incredible three times. A federal jury outside of D.C. in Virginia returned a not guilty verdict in the case of a man alleged to have solicited Trump’s assassination with social media posts.....

According to the initial complaint and statement of facts filed against him, Dunn allegedly called federal agents “fascists,” said he didn’t want them “in my city” and struck an agent in the chest with a “sub-style sandwich.”

Ahead of trial, Dunn’s defense lawyers called his prosecution “a blatant abuse of power.” They argued that the government “has chosen to bring a criminal case over conduct so minor it would be comical — were it not for the unmistakable retaliatory motive behind it and the resulting risk to Mr. Dunn.” They noted that he “tossed a sandwich at a fully armed, heavily protected Customs and Border Protection” officer, but they maintained that “that act alone would never have drawn a federal charge. What did was the political speech that accompanied it.”


Read more: https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/sandwich-thrower-sean-dunn-not-guilty-misdemeanor-verdict-rcna241657

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Jury finds D.C. sandwich thrower Sean Dunn not guilty of misdemeanor assault (Original Post) LetMyPeopleVote Nov 6 OP
Good news!!! nt in2herbs Nov 6 #1
The jury got it right! Good for them. This minor case was ridiculous from the beginning... n/t CaliforniaPeggy Nov 6 #2
Jeanine Pirro is going to join Been A Dick Donald in throwing catsup against the walls. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #3
He probably went back and ate the sub... rubbersole Nov 6 #8
He probably thought that if he ate the sandwich, he was getting rid of the evidence, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #13
maybe she'll just lose her job. barbtries Nov 6 #30
Jury Nullification... COL Mustard Nov 6 #34
I think you're right and the fact that the BP agent lied under oath probably didn't help either. nt MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #36
I'm interested DiverDave Nov 6 #58
I suspect that this will be swept under the rug. nt MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #62
Lying under oath used to be a career ender CanonRay Nov 7 #77
This "agent" should be put on the Brady List, along with every other Nazi ICEhole. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 7 #78
And completely APPROPRIATE for most charges being brought by Jack Valentino Nov 6 #72
Oh, yeah, "onions everywhere!" 🙄 electric_blue68 Nov 6 #50
Poor ICE 'snowflake'! Jack Valentino Nov 6 #71
And another FAIL and LOSS for the "reality show" purported "lawyer" BumRushDaShow Nov 6 #4
But...but...the sandwich EXPLODED!!1!/s Grokenstein Nov 6 #5
Yeah, that BP agent should be charged with perjury for lying on the stand about the sub "exploding". nt MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #7
The ICE asshole clearly lied LetMyPeopleVote Nov 6 #19
Here's hoping he gets charged with perjury! rurallib Nov 6 #27
I believe i watched the video barbtries Nov 6 #28
That's exactly what happened, it was pictured on the ground with the wrapper still on. nt MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #31
"I could smell the onions" will go down in legal history not fooled Nov 6 #69
Don't forget the mustard! Reader Rabbit Nov 7 #80
Excellent!!! Nittersing Nov 6 #6
Surprised they didn't try to charge him with a 'submarine attack with a deli weapon'. SeattleVet Nov 6 #9
From Joyce Vance LetMyPeopleVote Nov 6 #21
was listening to Clean up on Aisle 45 barbtries Nov 6 #26
Thanks! Chrysanthemum Nov 6 #57
Good News Roy Rolling Nov 6 #10
The jury system and jury nullification are the last bastion of resistance Prairie Gates Nov 6 #11
This whole thing was standing on a brick. . . DinahMoeHum Nov 6 #38
It wasn't jury nullification. The jury followed the law. SunSeeker Nov 6 #45
Fair point Prairie Gates Nov 6 #61
Just reported on MSNBC... and they were quick with the bread puns. 😁 Eugene Nov 6 #12
I knew it was a lotta baloney right from the beginning. NBachers Nov 6 #59
I relish the thought of catsup against the walls. nt MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #64
Great news! Juries can help us resist Trump's goons. Jim__ Nov 6 #14
Well, that's a wrap Wicked Blue Nov 6 #15
Hero! Prairie Gates Nov 6 #18
Washington Post-Jury finds D.C. 'sandwich guy' not guilty of assaulting officer LetMyPeopleVote Nov 6 #16
BWAHAAHHHAHAAHAAAHAHAHA!!!!!!! creeksneakers2 Nov 6 #17
Some of the art that has appeared around the city honoring him LetMyPeopleVote Nov 6 #20
Everyone protesting, tracking or confronting Ice Nazis should arm themselves with sandwiches. Gary 50 Nov 6 #22
Especially unwrap before lunching. 😉❤️ littlemissmartypants Nov 6 #23
happy to hear this. barbtries Nov 6 #24
I agree gopiscrap Nov 6 #55
It was a sandwich from Subway, cloudbase Nov 6 #25
submarine charges torpedoed! rurallib Nov 6 #29
That jury orangecrush Nov 6 #32
I expect more of this in similar cases brought against protestors by DoJ for ICE Mr.WeRP Nov 6 #33
Can You Imagine MissouriDem47 Nov 6 #35
When the Chief Executive of the country is a whiny baby, it tends to set the tone. tanyev Nov 6 #60
That Same Whiny Baby MissouriDem47 Nov 6 #70
I'm loving all the meme's coming out of this and other threads. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 6 #37
Lettuce hope this never happens again. Endlessmike56 Nov 6 #39
Time to turn a new leaf berniesandersmittens Nov 6 #51
Love it. THIS is why we have juries! SunSeeker Nov 6 #40
God Bless jury nullification Justice Brandeis Nov 6 #41
It was a sub not a submachine gun. Rat-a-tat-tat. twodogsbarking Nov 6 #42
That is great, of course. But the thing is, that guy had to pay for a defense, which isn't cheap, and Scrivener7 Nov 6 #43
Jury nullification for the win ck4829 Nov 6 #44
There was simply no "reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm." SunSeeker Nov 6 #48
Common Dreams headline...🤣 sheshe2 Nov 6 #46
A hero wins with the onion prosecution Historic NY Nov 6 #47
Great! Now I can take my club sandwich to... S/V Loner Nov 6 #49
Jury nullification. tblue37 Nov 6 #52
This should have resulted in a dry cleaning bill at most Warpy Nov 6 #53
He thought the ICE guy looked hungry Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Nov 6 #54
Dear jurors, RockRaven Nov 6 #56
How pathetic is Trump's DOJ? They wanted to charge this guy with a felony Wiz Imp Nov 6 #63
This made me smile LetMyPeopleVote Nov 6 #65
The White House made a whole video about arresting Sandwich Guy like he was El Chapo LetMyPeopleVote Nov 6 #66
I'm glad to see that justice was served. Queso Delicioso Nov 6 #67
Although you can indict a ham sandwich AdamGG Nov 6 #68
He beat the wrap Earth Bound Misfit Nov 7 #73
Awesome nrws! Silver Gaia Nov 7 #74
I hope the next Dem Prez offers this guy's Govt. job back wolfie001 Nov 7 #75
Salami is not a lethal weapon. However, steventh Nov 7 #76
🥪 underpants Nov 7 #81
Trump's/Pirro's Prosecutor: no_hypocrisy Nov 7 #79
This made me smile LetMyPeopleVote Nov 7 #82
It was a sand Wichhunt anyway ... TomWilm Nov 7 #84
Salami Braveheart!* Zorro Nov 7 #83
Better call for backup LetMyPeopleVote Nov 7 #85

MarineCombatEngineer

(16,879 posts)
3. Jeanine Pirro is going to join Been A Dick Donald in throwing catsup against the walls.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:41 PM
Nov 6


That BP agent should be charged with perjury for lying on the stand.
He testified that the sub sandwich exploded when it hit is utility vest, he said he could smell the onions and whatnot, but a picture of the sandwich showed it was still in it's wrapper and intact, maybe the picture is what convinced the jury to acquit him, or they're sending a message to Bondi, Pirro and DHS.

MarineCombatEngineer

(16,879 posts)
13. He probably thought that if he ate the sandwich, he was getting rid of the evidence,
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:50 PM
Nov 6

little did he know there was a photo of the intact sub, still in its wrapper, at his feet.
What an idiot of a BP agent not to realize that there would be a photo.

MarineCombatEngineer

(16,879 posts)
36. I think you're right and the fact that the BP agent lied under oath probably didn't help either. nt
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:58 PM
Nov 6

CanonRay

(15,808 posts)
77. Lying under oath used to be a career ender
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 11:21 AM
Nov 7

It can be brought up in any legal proceeding in the future, making the agent virtually useless. What jury is going to believe him the next time when his/her perjury is revealed.

MarineCombatEngineer

(16,879 posts)
78. This "agent" should be put on the Brady List, along with every other Nazi ICEhole.
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 11:23 AM
Nov 7

Being a thug, criminal, liar seems to be a positive on a fed. application for employment for BP/ICE.

Jack Valentino

(4,030 posts)
72. And completely APPROPRIATE for most charges being brought by
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:14 PM
Nov 6

the 'thought police' and Trump's 'Ministry of Love'....

(1984)





Jack Valentino

(4,030 posts)
71. Poor ICE 'snowflake'!
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:07 PM
Nov 6

I think he "was asking for it"---- "because of the way" he "was dressed" !!!!!




Grokenstein

(6,206 posts)
5. But...but...the sandwich EXPLODED!!1!/s
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:44 PM
Nov 6

"No, there it is, the wrapper didn't even fall off."
"EXPLODED!! OH GOD, I CAN SMELL ONIONS!!"
"I thought you said you love the smell of napalm in the mo--"
"EXPLODED!!1!! EEEEEEEEE!!"

MarineCombatEngineer

(16,879 posts)
7. Yeah, that BP agent should be charged with perjury for lying on the stand about the sub "exploding". nt
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:48 PM
Nov 6

LetMyPeopleVote

(172,659 posts)
19. The ICE asshole clearly lied
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:57 PM
Nov 6

This ICE asshole clearly lied
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/06/dc-sandwich-guy-trial-trump-federal-takeover/

Defense attorney Sabrina Shroff then displayed a photo of the wrapped sandwich lying on the ground and pressed the agent to clarify whether it had really exploded. Lairmore said a piece of the sub seemed to be visible in the photo. “I had mustard and condiments on my uniform, and an onion hanging from my radio antenna that night,” the agent said.

During closing arguments Wednesday, Shroff questioned whether Lairmore really felt threatened, noting that his co-workers gave him a plush toy sandwich as a gag gift, which he displayed on his office shelf, and an insignia that he affixed on his lunchbox, showing a likeness of Dunn hoisting a hoagie above the words “Felony Footlong.”

“They’re joking about it with each other, and they’re joking about it with Agent Lairmore. Why? Because they think it’s funny,” she said.

Judge Carl J. Nichols instructed the jury that to convict Dunn, they would have to find he acted forcibly and generated a “reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.”

barbtries

(30,978 posts)
28. I believe i watched the video
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:37 PM
Nov 6

and the damn thing just bounced off him and went to the ground. jeez

not fooled

(6,521 posts)
69. "I could smell the onions" will go down in legal history
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 09:15 PM
Nov 6

as one of the stupidest statements ever uttered in a courtroom.

SeattleVet

(5,782 posts)
9. Surprised they didn't try to charge him with a 'submarine attack with a deli weapon'.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:50 PM
Nov 6

That would have been as ridiculous as their try at felony charges.

barbtries

(30,978 posts)
26. was listening to Clean up on Aisle 45
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:37 PM
Nov 6

and they were chuckling at how the police report stated the "victim" was hit with the sandwich at "point blank range"


?si=07szdtlSlvfq5OCF

Chrysanthemum

(216 posts)
57. Thanks!
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 05:35 PM
Nov 6

Thanks for making me laugh out loud. These people have no idea how ridiculous they are, which makes them even more ridiculous.

Roy Rolling

(7,355 posts)
10. Good News
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:50 PM
Nov 6

I bought the t-shirt that few people remember who he is.

I wear it proudly and explain how the DOJ can’t get an indictment of a guilty ham sandwich.

Prairie Gates

(6,828 posts)
11. The jury system and jury nullification are the last bastion of resistance
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:50 PM
Nov 6

This was a disorderly conduct summons, at best. They should have given him his ticket and let him pay his $70. Instead, they decided to overcharge and thereby humiliate themselves.

Kudos to the jury for having none of this.

Also, a reminder: Trump pardoned people who literally killed a police officer of the Capitol Police, and viciously assaulted many more, not with a sandwich.

DinahMoeHum

(23,270 posts)
38. This whole thing was standing on a brick. . .
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 04:03 PM
Nov 6

. . .to kick a duck in the ass, on the Trump DOJ's part.

And even then, they missed the mark.



SunSeeker

(57,262 posts)
45. It wasn't jury nullification. The jury followed the law.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 04:33 PM
Nov 6

No reasonable person could credibly claim they feared "immediate bodily harm" by having a wrapped Subway sandwich bounce off their ballistic vest. Gregory Lairmore, the agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, falsely told jurors the sandwich "exploded," which was contradicted by scene photos and video, and he admitted he wasn't hurt. https://www.npr.org/2025/11/06/nx-s1-5600772/trump-justice-federal-surge-subway-sandwich

Judge Carl J. Nichols instructed the jury that to convict Dunn, they would have to find he acted forcibly and generated a “reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/06/dc-sandwich-guy-trial-trump-federal-takeover/

These jurors simply applied the facts to the law, and properly found Dunn not guilty.

LetMyPeopleVote

(172,659 posts)
16. Washington Post-Jury finds D.C. 'sandwich guy' not guilty of assaulting officer
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 02:53 PM
Nov 6

Sean C. Dunn admitted he flung the hoagie at a federal agent. His attorneys called it a “harmless gesture” of protest as Trump commandeered D.C. police.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/06/dc-sandwich-guy-trial-trump-federal-takeover/

A jury on Thursday acquitted a D.C. man who was charged with assault after throwing a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s crime crackdown in the capital.

The one-sided food fight, which was captured on video and spread through social media, became a slapstick symbol of resistance to Trump’s summertime takeover of local law enforcement. The defendant, Sean C. Dunn, said he was speaking out against fascism and anti-migrant policies from the Trump administration.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office said the 37-year-old Air Force veteran was not on trial for protesting but for “throwing a sandwich at a federal officer at point-blank range.” Prosecutors sought to indict Dunn on a felony assault count, but a grand jury rejected that charge, and prosecutors downgraded it to a misdemeanor......

Defense attorney Sabrina Shroff then displayed a photo of the wrapped sandwich lying on the ground and pressed the agent to clarify whether it had really exploded. Lairmore said a piece of the sub seemed to be visible in the photo. “I had mustard and condiments on my uniform, and an onion hanging from my radio antenna that night,” the agent said.

During closing arguments Wednesday, Shroff questioned whether Lairmore really felt threatened, noting that his co-workers gave him a plush toy sandwich as a gag gift, which he displayed on his office shelf, and an insignia that he affixed on his lunchbox, showing a likeness of Dunn hoisting a hoagie above the words “Felony Footlong.”

Gary 50

(473 posts)
22. Everyone protesting, tracking or confronting Ice Nazis should arm themselves with sandwiches.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:14 PM
Nov 6

Make sure to unwrap them before launching.

barbtries

(30,978 posts)
24. happy to hear this.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:33 PM
Nov 6

whether it was jury nullification or the government just really looked like a bunch of fools who couldn't indict a ham sandwich I don't even care. If I was on that jury I would have voted not guilty no matter what.

Mr.WeRP

(1,053 posts)
33. I expect more of this in similar cases brought against protestors by DoJ for ICE
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:54 PM
Nov 6

It wouldn’t surprise me if Luigi gets the same result.

MissouriDem47

(328 posts)
35. Can You Imagine
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:57 PM
Nov 6

Can you imagine Wyatt Earp taking someone to trial after they threw a sandwich at him? When did law enforcement become such babies?

MissouriDem47

(328 posts)
70. That Same Whiny Baby
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 09:58 PM
Nov 6

Gave 1500 presidential pardon's to the domestic terrorist who actually attacked and harmed police on 1/6/21. While he sat on his rear, watched TV and did nothing.

Scrivener7

(57,827 posts)
43. That is great, of course. But the thing is, that guy had to pay for a defense, which isn't cheap, and
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 04:28 PM
Nov 6

go through that ridiculous court case. Pirro should be sanctioned for bringing it, and he should be reimbursed.

SunSeeker

(57,262 posts)
48. There was simply no "reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm."
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 04:41 PM
Nov 6

No reasonable person could credibly claim they feared "immediate bodily harm" by having a wrapped Subway sandwich bounce off their ballistic vest. Gregory Lairmore, the agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, falsely told jurors the sandwich "exploded," which was contradicted by scene photos and video, and he admitted he wasn't hurt. https://www.npr.org/2025/11/06/nx-s1-5600772/trump-justice-federal-surge-subway-sandwich

Judge Carl J. Nichols instructed the jury that to convict Dunn, they would have to find he acted forcibly and generated a “reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/06/dc-sandwich-guy-trial-trump-federal-takeover/

This was not really jury nullification. These jurors simply applied the facts to the law, and properly found Dunn not guilty.

sheshe2

(94,878 posts)
46. Common Dreams headline...🤣
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 04:35 PM
Nov 6
‘He Beat the Wrap’: Sandwich-Hurling DC Protestor Found Not Guilty of Assault

“No assault with a deli weapon after all,” joked one
reporter after the verdict.


https://www.commondreams.org/news/dc-sandwich-guy-acquitted

Warpy

(114,195 posts)
53. This should have resulted in a dry cleaning bill at most
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 04:56 PM
Nov 6

This was a matter for small claims court, not criminal court.

Wiz Imp

(8,152 posts)
63. How pathetic is Trump's DOJ? They wanted to charge this guy with a felony
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 07:16 PM
Nov 6

and couldn't even convict him of a misdemeanor. They're the most incompetent bunch of legal "minds" ever assembled. Truly embarrassing. It would be hilarious if not for the fact the we the taxpayers are paying for this colossal waste of money trying to prosecute people who juries have repeatedly shown never should have even been charged with a crime.

steventh

(2,187 posts)
76. Salami is not a lethal weapon. However,
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 11:17 AM
Nov 7

it might tend to kill you slowly you if ingested a lot of it considering the amount of cholesterol in it. That said, I'm so glad the jury did the right thing and found Mr. Dunn not guilty.

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