by A 37-year-old man has been arrested in Washington, D.C., accused of throwing a sandwich at a federal law enforcement officer patrolling the city as part of President Donald Trump’s recently announced security crackdown.
Trump last week ordered an “increased presence” of federal officers in the nation’s capital and on Monday announced he was temporarily assuming control of the D.C. police force. About 800 National Guard members have also been deployed as part of the effort, which the administration says is aimed at combating “lawlessness.”
Tensions Over Security Measures
While the sandwich incident appears isolated, it highlights tensions between local residents and the federal security operation, which some critics have described as an unnecessary and politically motivated display.
Police statistics show that violent crime in D.C. in 2024 hit a 30-year low, with major offenses — including homicides, robberies, armed carjackings, and assaults with dangerous weapons — declining. Violent crime is down 26% so far this year compared to the same period in 2023, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Details of the Arrest
Authorities say members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were patrolling alongside police late Monday when Sean Charles Dunn, 37, confronted a border agent. According to a court filing, Dunn shouted, “Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” before walking away.
Minutes later, Dunn allegedly returned and threw a sub-style sandwich at the agent, striking him in the chest. Court documents state that the incident was recorded on video and posted to social media, showing Dunn yelling inches from the officer’s face before forcefully throwing the sandwich.
Dunn attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. He has been charged with assault, police said.
Part of a Larger Operation
The arrest came on the first day of Trump’s federalization of D.C.’s police force. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, authorities arrested 23 people that day, several on outstanding warrants for offenses including homicide, drunken driving, gun crimes, drug charges, and fare evasion.
Next Steps
Under federal law, Trump can assume control of the D.C. police force for up to 30 days. The National Guard’s deployment is currently scheduled to last until at least September 25, though officials have not ruled out an earlier withdrawal.
