Sean Charles Dunn has become a contentious figure in Washington, D.C., after throwing a sandwich at a federal agent during a tumultuous period marked by heightened law enforcement activities linked to the Trump administration. This week, federal prosecutors aim to convince a local jury that Dunn’s actions were criminal, rather than an act of political defiance.

The prosecution faces significant challenges, particularly in a city that has expressed resistance to President Trump’s assertion of federal control, now ongoing for over two months. A grand jury previously declined to indict Dunn on felony assault charges, leading U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to pursue a misdemeanor prosecution instead.

Proving Dunn’s guilt may be complicated by the emergence of murals that celebrate his sandwich throw, signaling public sentiment in his favor. Prior to jury selection on Monday, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, nominated by Trump, indicated that the trial, described as “the simplest case in the world,” is expected to last no more than two days.

A viral video captured Dunn launching a Subway-style sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent outside a nightclub on August 10, 2021. This incident coincided with Trump’s announcement of deploying hundreds of National Guard troops and federal agents to support local law enforcement in D.C.

As Dunn confronted the CBP agents stationed outside a club hosting “Latin Night,” he labeled them “fascists” and “racists,” while chanting “shame.” An onlooker recorded footage of Dunn throwing the sandwich at an agent, striking the officer’s chest.

“Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” Dunn shouted, drawing attention from law enforcement. After fleeing the scene, he was arrested, only to be released later. However, he was rearrested when armed federal agents in riot gear raided his home, an event the White House shared through a highly produced video. Dunn’s legal team claims he had previously offered to surrender voluntarily.

Prior to his arrest, Dunn served as an international affairs specialist in the Justice Department’s criminal division. After the incident, Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly announced Dunn’s termination, labeling him “an example of the Deep State.”

In the lead-up to the trial, Dunn’s attorneys sought the dismissal of charges, claiming that he was subjected to selective prosecution due to his political expressions. They pointed to statements from the White House and Attorney General Bondi as evidence that Dunn’s political views influenced the legal action against him.

Julia Gatto, one of Dunn’s attorneys, questioned the inconsistency in the Justice Department’s stance, especially given Trump’s prior pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. “The obvious answer is they have different politics. And that’s selective prosecution,” Gatto asserted during a hearing last Thursday.

Prosecutors contended that Dunn’s political beliefs do not shield him from accountability for his actions. “The defendant is being prosecuted for the obvious reason that he was recorded throwing a sandwich at a federal officer at point-blank range,” they argued.

Dunn faces charges of assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, and interfering with a federal officer. Conversely, numerous individuals who participated in the January 6 Capitol riot have faced felony charges for assaults or interference with police, while some received pardons from Trump.