From Meme to Verdict: DC Sandwich Thrower Found Not Guilty

A Washington, DC jury has acquitted Sean Dunn, the man charged with assault for throwing a Subway sandwich at a federal officer during protests earlier this year.

The incident occurred amid President Donald Trump’s intensified law enforcement push in the capital, which fueled public demonstrations and controversy. Prosecutors argued that Dunn’s actions constituted an assault on a Border Patrol agent, while the defense maintained the throw was nonviolent and posed no real threat.

Jurors viewed several videos showing Dunn tossing the sandwich and running before being detained. The officer testified that the sandwich “exploded” on his chest, though defense lawyers countered that it remained wrapped and caused no harm.

The jury deliberated for seven hours before finding Dunn not guilty, concluding the act did not meet the legal threshold for assault. The case drew widespread attention, inspiring protest art and memes portraying Dunn as a symbol of peaceful defiance.