A former employee of the Justice Department was acquitted of assault charges after throwing a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement initiative in Washington. The incident, captured in a viral video, turned Sean Charles Dunn into a symbol of opposition to the federal intervention.

Dunn’s misdemeanor acquittal represents a setback for prosecutors criticized for their handling of cases stemming from the law enforcement surge. His defense argued that throwing the sandwich was a harmless act of protest protected by the First Amendment.

The trial saw Dunn’s lawyers emphasizing that the sandwich gesture did not cause bodily harm and should not be considered a forcible offense. The prosecutors contended that Dunn exceeded his rights by throwing the sandwich at the agent.

Following the verdict, Dunn expressed relief and a desire to move forward with his life. He did not testify during the trial, but a body camera recording showed him admitting to the sandwich throwing as a diversion tactic.

The grand jury initially declined to indict Dunn on a felony charge, prompting a misdemeanor charge later on. Dunn confronted CBP agents with insults and threw the sandwich at an agent during a protest against their presence at a local club.

CBP Agent Gregory Lairmore testified that the sandwich hit him hard enough to feel it through his vest, leading to jokes among colleagues and humorous gifts related to the incident. Dunn’s subsequent arrest and firing by the Justice Department have sparked allegations of vindictive prosecution based on his political speech.

Dunn is facing charges related to assaulting a federal officer, with his case drawing comparisons to the treatment of Trump supporters involved in the Capitol riot.