DC settles lawsuit with protester over Star Wars song

The District of Columbia has agreed to pay a settlement to a local man who was detained by police after protesting the presence of National Guard troops by playing the "Imperial March" from Star Wars. The partial settlement, finalized on June 26, 2026, resolves claims against the city and its police department but leaves a related lawsuit pending against an Ohio National Guard sergeant.

Sam O'Hara, a 35-year-old Washington resident, began his protests in August 2025 following President Donald Trump's deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to the capital. O'Hara's demonstrations involved walking behind patrols while playing Darth Vader's iconic theme music from his phone, an act he described as a humorous critique of what he saw as the militarization of his city.

The incident leading to the lawsuit occurred on September 11, 2025, near 14th and Q Streets NW. According to the legal complaint, Ohio National Guard Sgt. Devon Beck confronted O'Hara and stated he would call police if the protest continued. Metropolitan Police Department officers subsequently arrived, handcuffed O'Hara, and detained him for 15 to 20 minutes before releasing him without charges.