Former DOJ employee charged after assaulting federal officer with a Subway sandwich

A former Department of Justice employee found himself in hot water after hurling a Subway sandwich at a law enforcement officer in Washington, D.C.

The Daily Caller reported that last Thursday, Charles Dunn, once an international affairs specialist at the DOJ, was arrested and charged with a felony for assaulting an officer, an act that cost him his job.

This incident unfolded against the backdrop of President Trump’s bold move to deploy the National Guard and take federal control of D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department to curb rising crime.

The drama began when Dunn, caught on video, reportedly yelled at an officer before tossing his sandwich and fleeing, only to be apprehended after a brief foot chase.

Such antics might seem comical to some, but they underscore a deeper disrespect for law enforcement that conservatives argue undermines public safety. Attorney General Pam Bondi didn’t mince words, declaring, “You will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement.”

Swift Justice for Officer Assault

Bondi’s response was swift and decisive, emphasizing that Dunn’s actions were unacceptable for a DOJ employee. “I just learned that this defendant worked at the Department of Justice — NO LONGER,” she stated, confirming his termination. The felony charge sends a clear message: law enforcement deserves respect, not ridicule.

The incident follows President Trump’s August 11 announcement to federalize D.C.’s police force, a move prompted by escalating crime rates.

Critics of progressive policies argue that soft-on-crime approaches have emboldened bad actors like Dunn. Yet, Democrats claim violent crime in D.C. has dropped by a third, a statistic that raises eyebrows given recent events.

United States Attorney Jeanine Pirro echoed Bondi’s sentiment, warning, “The president’s message to the criminals was, ‘If you spit, we hit.’”

Her no-nonsense stance reflects a broader push to restore order in a city plagued by violence. Pirro’s vivid account of Dunn’s behavior—yelling, jumping, and throwing a sandwich—paints a picture of reckless defiance.

Pirro didn’t stop there, noting, “Well, he doesn’t think it’s funny today because we charged him with a felony, assault on a police officer.” The charge is a reminder that actions have consequences, especially when they target those tasked with protecting the public. Conservatives argue this incident highlights the need for tougher enforcement, not leniency.

The federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department was spurred by incidents like the brutal attack on Edward Coristine, a DOGE staffer injured while thwarting a carjacking.

Known as “Big Balls” for his bravery, Coristine’s ordeal galvanized calls for stronger action against crime. The sandwich-throwing episode, while less violent, only fuels the narrative of lawlessness.

Adding fuel to the fire, allegations surfaced that MPD official Michael Pulliam manipulated crime data, casting doubt on the reported decline in violent crime.

MPD’s exclusion of aggravated and felony assaults from violent crime statistics, despite their classification as such under D.C. law, smells like a cover-up to many conservatives. Truth in reporting, they argue, is essential for real progress.

Deep State or Rogue Employee?

Bondi didn’t shy away from framing Dunn’s actions in a broader context, stating, “This is an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ.”

Her words resonate with those who believe entrenched bureaucrats resist the administration’s law-and-order agenda. Yet, fairness demands acknowledging that one rogue employee doesn’t represent an entire agency.

Dunn’s role as an international affairs specialist in the DOJ’s Criminal Division makes his behavior all the more jarring. Throwing a sandwich at an officer isn’t just a bad day at the office; it’s a betrayal of the public trust. Conservatives see this as evidence of a cultural rot that needs rooting out.

Pirro’s earlier warning on August 13 set the stage: “If you touch any law enforcement officer, we will come after you.” Her promise was fulfilled with Dunn’s arrest, proving the administration’s commitment to backing law enforcement. But some wonder if felony charges for a sandwich toss tip the scales too far.

The video of Dunn’s outburst, widely shared on X, shows a man unhinged, berating an officer before his ill-fated sandwich throw. Such behavior, conservatives argue, reflects a broader progressive disdain for authority that’s been allowed to fester. The incident is a small but telling piece of a larger puzzle.

Washington, D.C., remains a flashpoint for debates over crime and governance. Trump’s National Guard deployment and police takeover signal a rejection of the status quo, which many feel has failed the city’s residents. Yet, empathy for officers and victims like Coristine must be balanced with ensuring justice doesn’t overreach.