A federal jury is weighing the verdict in the case of Sean Dunn, known as the “sandwich guy.” He faces a misdemeanor charge after tossing a Subway footlong at a federal officer. This incident occurred during a tense period of heightened law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C. under President Trump’s directives.
Dunn, a former Justice Department paralegal, was charged after a confrontation in August 2025. Dressed in a pink shirt, he hurled a salami sandwich at Officer Greg Lairmore, who was patrolling the nightlife area. During closing arguments, Dunn’s defense attorney, Sabrina Shroff, emphasized the trivial nature of the event, arguing that a sandwich couldn’t possibly be classified as a weapon. She pointed out that the sandwich remained wrapped and ended up on the ground, rather than causing any real harm.
Shroff questioned Lairmore’s claims that the sandwich “exploded” on impact, asking the jury to consider if anyone would feel personally offended enough to keep a “memento” of such an incident. She likened Dunn’s action to a child throwing a tantrum, implying that it was more comedic than criminal.
This case has sparked significant public interest. On social media, Dunn has become a sort of folk hero for those opposing Trump’s tough immigration policies, with murals and Halloween costumes inspired by the incident. His actions resonated with many who share similar views about law enforcement in the city.
In a recent statistic, a Gallup poll revealed that over 60% of Americans feel cautious about the presence of federal law enforcement in communities, highlighting a widespread concern regarding government surveillance and enforcement strategies.
On the prosecution side, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. DiLorenzo maintained that this was more than just a sandwich. He argued that Dunn’s actions could set a dangerous precedent. He insisted that tossing a sandwich like a baseball could still pose a threat, no matter how humorous the act appeared.
The jury’s decision will shed light on how justice is interpreted in the era of heightened political tensions. With Dunn embodying a figure of resistance, this case might influence how similar situations are handled in the future.
For more about the complexities of law enforcement and civil resistance in today’s political climate, check out the ACLU for in-depth reports and analysis.
