Man who protested Trump DC surge with 'Star Wars' music awarded payout: 'I'm pleased' [View all]
Last edited Tue Jun 30, 2026, 10:26 AM - Edit history (1)
This made me smile
A Washington, D.C. resident who protested President Donald Trumpâs surge of National Guard troops in the nationâs capital was awarded a âsignificantâ settlement after being placed in handcuffs last year for following troops while playing the "Imperial Marchâ score from âStar Wars.
— Raw Story (@rawstory.com) 2026-06-29T17:30:13Z
https://www.rawstory.com/washington-dc-2677124345/
A Washington, D.C. resident who protested President Donald Trumps surge of National Guard troops in the nations capital was awarded a significant settlement after being placed in handcuffs last year for following troops while playing Star Wars music.
Im pleased that the D.C. police recognize their part in violating my rights, said Sam OHara, speaking with The Washington Post Friday after having just reached a financial agreement with the D.C. government and four of its officers. I will say that Im pleased and [the settlement] was significant and meaningful.
Last fall, OHara followed a group of National Guard troops in D.C. while playing the "Imperial March, a menacing orchestrated piece typically associated with the iconic Darth Vader villain from the Star Wars franchise. Despite having pulled similar acts of protest in the past, one National Guard soldier in particular wasnt pleased with OHaras form of protest, and ended up contacting D.C. police.
With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, OHara successfully sued the D.C. government over what he called his wrongful detention, though the specifics of the settlement were not disclosed by either party.