A Justice Department employee has been dismissed following his arrest for allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement officer by throwing a sandwich. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the termination on Thursday, emphasizing the department’s commitment to upholding respect for law enforcement. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/f579ab8649ae0f40d03cd4fdb58ed5e9?utm_source=openai))
The incident occurred late Sunday night in Washington, D.C., when Sean Charles Dunn, 37, confronted a group of federal agents, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. According to court filings, Dunn shouted insults such as “fascists” and declared, “I don’t want you in my city!” before throwing a “sub-style” sandwich at one of the agents. The event was captured on video and widely circulated online. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/man-charged-with-throwing-sandwich-us-agent-was-justice-dept-staffer-2025-08-14/?utm_source=openai))
Dunn, who served as an international affairs specialist in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, was arrested at the scene and charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and employees of the United States. This felony charge carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison. Following his arrest, Dunn admitted to the act, stating, “I did it. I threw a sandwich.” ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/08/14/sandwich-thrown-federal-enforcement-doj/?utm_source=openai))
Attorney General Bondi addressed the situation on social media, stating, “This is an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ. You will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement.” ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/f579ab8649ae0f40d03cd4fdb58ed5e9?utm_source=openai))
The incident took place amid an increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., following President Donald Trump’s directive to deploy additional agents to address what he described as a crime emergency in the capital. This move has been met with mixed reactions from residents, with some expressing support for the heightened security measures and others voicing concerns over the methods employed. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/man-charged-with-throwing-sandwich-us-agent-was-justice-dept-staffer-2025-08-14/?utm_source=openai))
Dunn’s attorney, Sabrina Shroff, declined to comment on the allegations following his initial court appearance. Dunn has not yet entered a plea. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/f579ab8649ae0f40d03cd4fdb58ed5e9?utm_source=openai))