D.C. Officially Settles First Amendment Lawsuit Over National Guard Protest

An undisclosed financial settlement has been awarded to a Washington, D.C., resident who was handcuffed and detained for playing the “Imperial March” from the movie ‘Star Wars’ on a loudspeaker while following a group of marching National Guard troops.

In announcing the settlement, the government of the District of Columbia upheld Sam O’Hara’s right to free speech, which was the basis of a First Amendment lawsuit brought on his behalf by the American Civil Liberties Union of D.C.

“This is definitely a step toward feeling vindicated, but I won’t feel completely vindicated until my case against the National Guard is resolved,” O’Hara said in an interview with Military.com, referring to his continuing case against the Ohio National Guard and Sgt. Devon Beck, who summoned D.C. police to detain O’Hara. “In my opinion, they were on a power trip. I’m not holding my breath for a personal apology, but this settlement is an important step.”

Protest Over National Guard Deployment to D.C.

It was in August 2025 when O’Hara began his creative form of protest on the streets of Washington, D.C. He began walking behind National Guard troops while playing ‘Star Wars’ music over a loudspeaker.

O’Hara said his action was in response to President Trump deploying the National Guard to patrol the District of Columbia as an extra police force. O’Hara told Military.com that his music choice, “Imperial March,” is the song that plays when Darth Vader and stormtroopers are on-screen in the ‘Star Wars’ films.

“The Imperial March speaks for itself. Good political satire doesn’t need to be explained,” O’Hara said. “I believe the National Guard troops are being used as pawns by a president who gives off serious Darth Vader energy.”

But on September 11, 2025, O’Hara’s satirical protest became a legal issue. Sgt. Beck confronted O’Hara near the intersection of 14th and Q Streets NW and summoned D.C. police officers to “handle” him. O’Hara was handcuffed and detained for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The ACLU of D.C. argued that O’Hara’s detention was a violation of his First Amendment rights.

“Our right to free speech grants us the freedom to criticize the government. Government officials don’t have to like it, but they can’t punish someone for their speech,” said Scott Michelman, legal director at the ACLU-D.C., in a statement. “This episode is another demonstration of the folly of Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to patrol D.C. We don’t need them here, intimidating residents and violating their constitutional rights.”

O’Hara says the next step in his vindication will be winning his case against Beck and the Ohio National Guard.

I hope for the same outcome and more. I hope this case sends the message that the First Amendment applies even when the government doesn’t like the speech.

Undisclosed Terms of Financial Settlement

The financial settlement from D.C. releases the city and all District of Columbia defendants from the case in exchange for compensation paid to O’Hara. But more than money, O’Hara said the settlement sends a message.

“The government’s efforts to silence me ultimately backfired and brought more attention to the unjust deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.,” O’Hara said. “This settlement serves as a reminder that constitutional freedoms are worth defending, especially when those in power would prefer we stay quiet.”

He added that other protesters who fear their constitutionally protected right to free speech could be violated should stand firm.

“When police officers or members of the National Guard are trying to intimidate you, it can be intimidating, especially when they’re the ones with the guns,” O’Hara said. “I’m a big guy, and I don’t scare easily, so I recognize that my experience isn’t everyone’s. But knowing my rights and knowing organizations like the ACLU are willing to stand up for people whose rights are violated gives me confidence. I hope it gives others confidence, too.”

In the end, O’Hara says he never wavered in his belief that his actions are legally protected.

“No. Never. I know my rights,” O’Hara said. “What I doubted was whether the government would respect them.”