Settlement Reached in First Amendment Lawsuit Over 'Star Wars' Protest Against National Guard Troops in D.C.
A settlement has been reached in a First Amendment lawsuit involving a Washington, D.C., man who protested National Guard troops by playing the “Imperial March” from “Star Wars” behind them. The District of Columbia agreed to resolve claims related to the conduct of Metropolitan Police Department officers, while the lawsuit will continue against Ohio National Guard Sgt. Devon Beck, who allegedly called the police to stop the protest. Plaintiff Sam O’Hara expressed satisfaction with the settlement, emphasizing the importance of defending constitutional freedoms, especially when challenged by those in power.
The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of the District of Columbia on O’Hara’s behalf, alleges that he was handcuffed and detained for peacefully following National Guard troops while playing the iconic Darth Vader theme. Scott Michelman, legal director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, highlighted the significance of free speech in criticizing the government and criticized the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., under former President Donald Trump.
Following the settlement, the ACLU declined to disclose the total amount, citing O’Hara’s privacy. O’Hara’s protest, initiated in response to Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in August 2025, involved playing the “Imperial March” from “Star Wars” while walking behind the troops. The lawsuit alleged that on September 11, 2025, Beck warned O’Hara and subsequently called the police, leading to O’Hara’s handcuffing and detention for a brief period.
The ACLU argued that O’Hara’s detention violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, as well as D.C.’s law against false arrest. The complaint emphasized that government officials cannot suppress peaceful protests and groundless seizures are prohibited by the Constitution and local laws. The ACLU and the D.C. attorney general’s office did not provide a comment on the matter.
In conclusion, the partial settlement in the First Amendment lawsuit involving Sam O’Hara’s protest against National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., highlights the ongoing defense of constitutional freedoms and the importance of protecting individuals’ rights to peaceful expression. The resolution with the District of Columbia underscores the significance of upholding free speech rights, even in the face of government opposition.