Overview
- A jury was seated and opening statements began Tuesday, followed by CBP Agent Gregory Lairmore testifying that the sandwich burst on his chest, which he felt through a ballistic vest and could smell of onions and mustard.
- U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols said he expects the misdemeanor trial to last no more than two days, calling it “the simplest case in the world.”
- Defense counsel acknowledged Dunn threw the sandwich but framed it as expressive protest rather than a forcible assault, while prosecutors argued the video shows an unlawful attack and interference with a federal officer.
- Jury selection used a white-noise machine that kept voir dire inaudible to observers; the defense sought to restart the process on public-trial grounds, a request the judge denied.
- A grand jury previously declined a felony indictment, leading to a misdemeanor charge carrying up to one year in jail; Dunn was fired from the Justice Department after his arrest, and his lawyers note his later home raid appeared in an official White House video.