Washington Man Sparks Sandwich Protests Over Law Enforcement Actions

In a surprising turn of events in Washington, D.C., a local man has sparked a wave of protests with nothing more than a submarine sandwich. On March 14, 2023, Sean Charles Dunn, 37, confronted federal law enforcement officials, expressing his outrage over President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to address what he described as an “out of control” crime emergency. This one-man demonstration quickly escalated into a broader movement, illustrating how food can become a symbol of resistance.

The incident took place on 14th Street, where Dunn approached a group of federal officers and directed his ire toward a Customs and Border Patrol agent, shouting: “F*** you, you f***ing fascists! Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” In a dramatic flourish, he then threw his sub sandwich at the officers, hitting one in the chest. Although Dunn fled the scene, he was apprehended shortly after.

This sandwich throw has since inspired a grassroots art movement across the city. Residents have been creating posters that pay homage to the famous British street artist Banksy, reimagining his “Flower Thrower” mural. Instead of a bouquet, the masked figure now hurls a submarine sandwich, with these artworks appearing in various neighborhoods, from Dupont Circle to Logan Circle. The authorities, however, have often removed these tributes, leaving only ghostly marks on the walls.

The sandwich motif has resonated deeply with the community. Protesters have embraced the symbol, waving loaves of bread and carrying signs with messages like “One small sub for man … One giant gesture for democracy” and “Don’t f*** with D.C. unless you want this footlong.”

Merchandise related to the sandwich movement has also taken off. Printmaker Lorraine Hu has sold nearly 500 items, including T-shirts and tote bags featuring the image of a sandwich hurler. She has donated over $4,000 from sales to local aid organizations such as Miriam’s Kitchen, Ayuda, and the DC Migrant Mutual Aid Network. Hu expressed a sense of community that has emerged from this event, stating, “It’s nice to take the anxiety of our times and turn it into something productive.”

Initially, Dunn was released without charges. However, he later learned of a warrant for his arrest. In a social media post, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Dunn’s termination from the Justice Department, where he had been employed. “If you touch any law enforcement officer, we will come after you,” she wrote. “Not only is he FIRED, he has been charged with a felony.”

As Dunn prepares for a court appearance scheduled for September 2023, he faces the challenge of defending his actions. He may argue that his sandwich was not a weapon, but rather a vehicle for expression.

The incident has sparked a variety of reactions online. One user, posting as “Scary Larry,” humorously remarked, “He may be a hero to you, but no matter how you slice it, the Subway Assassin, AKA The Hurl of Sandwich, is a natural-bread killer.”

This unconventional story highlights the intersection of art, protest, and political expression in a city known for its political theater. As Washington grapples with the implications of Dunn’s actions, it remains to be seen how this sandwich saga will influence community discussions on law enforcement and civic engagement.