In an unprecedented incident that has captivated public attention, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has terminated Sean Charles Dunn, one of its own employees, following his arrest for assaulting a federal officer with a Subway sandwich in Washington, D.C.
The episode unfolded on a Sunday night near the intersection of 14th and U streets, where Dunn, an employee in the DOJ’s international affairs section of the criminal division, became involved in a confrontation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. According to court documents and statements from law enforcement, Dunn aggressively shouted obscenities at CBP Agent Gregory Lairmore, accusing federal agents of unwelcome presence in the city. The situation escalated when Dunn forcefully threw a wrapped Subway sandwich at the officer’s chest before fleeing the scene.
FBI Director Kash Patel shared a video capturing the incident, showing Dunn clad in a pink polo shirt and light shorts gesturing and then hurling the sandwich before sprinting away with officers in pursuit. The 32-second clip quickly went viral, serving as a clear visual of the unusual assault that led to a felony federal charge against Dunn.
Shortly after the event, Dunn was apprehended by law enforcement and later admitted to the act while being processed by the Metropolitan Police Department, stating bluntly, “I did it. I threw a sandwich.” The swift response by authorities culminated in his arrest on Wednesday night.
Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly announced Dunn’s firing, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards any disrespect or assault against government officials. In a statement posted on social media, Bondi condemned Dunn’s actions, saying, “You will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement.” She also referred to the incident as indicative of challenges within what she described as the “Deep State,” highlighting ongoing efforts to reform the DOJ.
This incident occurred amid heightened federal law enforcement activity in Washington, D.C. The Trump administration recently deployed hundreds of federal agents to reinforce local policing as part of a broader initiative to combat the city’s crime, a move that has sparked both support and criticism. While official statistics indicated a decline in various crime categories, the administration argued that federal intervention was necessary to further improve public safety.
Critics have also pointed to perceived contradictions in federal law enforcement’s approach, noting that the crackdown on crime in D.C. contrasts with previous leniencies shown toward participants in the January 6th Capitol riot. The DOJ’s recent hiring of figures associated with that event for specialized task forces has further fueled debate about consistency in law enforcement priorities.
The strange yet serious sandwich assault case serves as a stark reminder that even federal employees are held accountable for their actions. It underscores the DOJ’s commitment to maintaining discipline within its ranks and ensuring respect toward law enforcement officers and the institutions they protect.
As the legal process unfolds against Sean Charles Dunn, the case continues to resonate as a symbol of justice served, reinforcing the message that no form of assault—no matter how unconventional—will be tolerated within the halls of government.
