Attorney General Pam Bondi has dismissed a Justice Department employee accused of throwing a sandwich at a federal agent in Washington, saying the act showed clear disrespect toward law enforcement.
The employee, identified as 37-year-old Sean Charles Dunn, worked in the department’s criminal division as an international affairs specialist. Officials said he was arrested late Sunday after the confrontation.
Video recorded by a witness shows Dunn confronting several Customs and Border Protection agents. He points at one officer, shouts insults, and then throws a “sub-style” sandwich at the officer’s chest.
In a post on her official account, Bondi wrote that such behavior would not be tolerated in her department. She accused Dunn of being part of what she called the “Deep State” resisting her leadership.
“You will not work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement,” Bondi wrote. She did not answer questions about Dunn’s work history.
Dunn’s attorney, Sabrina Shroff, declined to comment after his first court hearing on Thursday. She said her client would respond to the charges in court.
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The incident happened during a weekend with an unusually high number of federal officers in the city. Authorities had increased their presence after the White House announced new steps to address crime.
On Monday, President Donald Trump said he was taking control of Washington’s police department. He also ordered 800 members of the National Guard to active duty within the city.
Trump said crime had reached emergency levels. City leaders disagreed, citing police data showing violent crime at its lowest point in 30 years.
According to a police affidavit, Dunn approached the agents around 11 p.m. Sunday. He called one officer a “fascist” and told them to leave his city.
The affidavit says he then threw the sandwich and tried to run away. Officers caught and arrested him nearby.
Dunn now faces a felony assault charge. If convicted, he could face prison time. His next court date is later this month.
The Justice Department has faced questions over how it handles employee conduct. Critics point out that another employee, a former FBI agent charged in the January 6 Capitol riot, still works in the department.
That agent, Jared Lane Wise, is serving as counselor to the department’s pardon attorney. Wise was recorded during the riot shouting encouragement to people attacking police officers.
Supporters of Bondi’s decision say the firing sends a strong message about standards for Justice Department workers. They argue federal employees must respect law enforcement regardless of personal views.
Others believe the dismissal was meant to make a political point. They say the matter should be decided by the courts, not in public statements.
Law enforcement leaders say such confrontations can quickly escalate. They have urged people to express disagreements peacefully and avoid direct physical contact with officers.
Public debate over the case has been intense online. Some see Dunn’s act as a serious offense, while others view it as a protest that should not have cost him his job.
Bondi has not said if she plans to introduce new conduct rules for department staff. The legal outcome in Dunn’s case may guide how similar incidents are handled in the future.
