Border Patrol Officer Testifies About Unusual Incident: A Sandwich Assault in DC with a Whiff of Onions and Mustard

“He did it. He threw the sandwich.”

This is how the defense lawyer for Sean Dunn opened his trial in Washington, DC. Dunn is accused of throwing a sub-style sandwich at a Border Patrol officer during a heated encounter this summer. His lawyer, Julia Gatto, emphasized that what happened—a thrown sandwich—became a federal case.

The incident highlights local frustrations over the federal presence in the city under the Trump administration. It sparked a wave of protests, with posters appearing around DC in response.

On the witness stand, officer Greg Lairmore recounted how Dunn had become irate, yelling insults before launching the sandwich at him. “It smelled of onions and mustard,” Lairmore said, noting how the sandwich made a mess on his uniform.

Before throwing the sandwich, Dunn was visibly upset, accusing the officers of fascism. Lairmore maintained he didn’t retaliate verbally, respecting Dunn’s right to express his opinion.

Both sides agree on what happened. The jury must now decide if throwing a sandwich constitutes assault, a decision that could have broader implications. Assistant US Attorney John Parron argued that throwing things at people is not acceptable, regardless of one’s frustrations.

Gatto, defending Dunn, framed the act as an emotional outburst rather than a violent assault. She referenced the current climate around immigration enforcement, suggesting Dunn’s actions were driven by his strong feelings against the federal response in the city.

Recent surveys indicate that many residents share Dunn’s views on immigration issues, with 68% of DC residents expressing concern about aggressive enforcement tactics. This case taps into broader conversations about civic engagement and resistance in the face of perceived injustice.

Interestingly, another recent trial ended in acquittal for a woman charged with assault after she allegedly used her knee against an officer while filming arrests. This shows a trend in jury decisions around resistance against law enforcement.

Presiding Judge Carl Nichols called this trial “the simplest case,” but it carries significant weight in the ongoing dialogue about law enforcement and community response in Washington, DC. The trial is expected to conclude within two days.



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