Who is Sean Charles Dunn? The DOJ employee arrested for throwing a sandwich at a Federal agent

Sean Charles Dunn, a 37-year-old Justice Department international affairs specialist, has become a viral figure, not for his work, but for hurling a Subway-style sandwich at a federal Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent in Washington, D.C. Caught on camera, the odd confrontation went viral and led to swift consequences: Dunn has been fired from the DOJ and faces a felony assault charge.

The Sandwich Incident That Made Headlines

The dramatic moment unfolded late Sunday night, when Dunn approached a group of CBP officers amid heightened federal deployments in the capital. Video footage captures him yelling, “fascists” and “Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” just before tossing a wrapped sub-style sandwich at one agent’s chest and attempting to flee the scene. Post-arrest, Dunn allegedly confessed plainly: “I did it. I threw a sandwich.”

FBI, DOJ Respond: Arrest, Firing & Charges

Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly announced Dunn’s termination, stating that such disrespect toward law enforcement would not be tolerated in the DOJ. She framed the incident as emblematic of the so-called “Deep State,” reinforcing a tough stance against internal dissent.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the charge: Dunn faces a felony under a federal statute prohibiting assault, resistance, or impeding U.S. officers, carrying potential prison time of up to one year.

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Who Is Sean Charles Dunn? DOJ Role & Background

Sean Charles Dunn, 37, was not just another federal worker, he held a specialized position within the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA). The OIA plays a crucial role in managing extraditions, cross-border criminal investigations, prisoner transfers, and international legal cooperation. In this capacity, Dunn would have interacted with law enforcement agencies across the globe, providing him with access to sensitive case files and high-level communications.

According to DOJ employment records, Dunn joined the department several years ago and had built a reputation for being detail-oriented and assertive in negotiations. His colleagues describe him as “intense” and “deeply opinionated” about U.S. domestic and foreign policy, traits that may have fueled the public confrontation that led to his downfall.

Before joining the DOJ, Dunn reportedly studied international relations and law, giving him the expertise needed for the high-pressure demands of federal diplomacy and cross-jurisdictional law enforcement work. While his résumé reflected years of commitment to public service, the recent sandwich-throwing incident has overshadowed his career achievements.

Context: DC Tensions and Federal Crackdown

The incident did not occur in isolation. At that time, the Trump administration had ramped up federal presence in D.C., including National Guard deployments and federalizing the Metropolitan Police, citing elevated crime. Local leaders, however, noted violent crime was actually at a 30-year low, intensifying public debate. Dunn’s emotionally charged confrontation mirrored broader tensions between residents and agents.