Sandwich launched by demonstrator reportedly exploded and left mustard stain on customs official, court hears
A federal customs official has stated under oath he could detect through his ballistic vest the force of a food product launched at him by a Washington DC protester, who has stood before a judge for criminal charge.
Customs and Border Patrol agent Gregory Lairmore told the legal jury the food item "exploded all over him" and he "could smell the onions and condiment" on his work clothing.
Neither side disputes that the defendant, in his thirties, did in fact hurl vulgar language and a made-to-order snack at authorities sent by President Donald Trump to patrol the nation's capital in late summer.
The incident was filmed on camera and spread across the internet, making the defendant a symbol of protest in Washington DC to the administration.
Federal attorneys initially tried to obtain felony charges against the accused, but a legal panel chose not to charge him.
The former president's assignment of military personnel to the federal district this summer generated anger from some of the DC citizens, who viewed it as a political use of the troops.
Based on legal filings, the defendant walked up to a police contingent at about 11 PM on the summer date, describing them "authoritarians" and shouting: "What is your purpose? Your presence is unwanted in my city!"
The court observed a re-enactment from the agent on the court date as he testified against the defendant.
"I detected it through my ballistic vest," he testified of the item's force, noting that an aromatic fragment dangled from his official equipment and mustard stained his uniform.
Mr Dunn's lawyer, his legal representative, said in her opening statement that launching the deli product was a "harmless gesture that did not, could not, create physical damage".
But prosecutor the prosecutor argued the accused must be considered responsible.
"No matter who you are, you should not throwing stuff at people because you're angry," Mr Parron stated.
After the reported incident became public, the defendant was fired from his position as a paralegal in the Department of Justice.
