The District of Columbia has reached a settlement with Sam O'Hara, a resident who was detained for playing the 'Imperial March' from 'Star Wars' near National Guard troops. O'Hara had been following a group of Ohio National Guardsmen and playing the music, which led to his detention.
The lawsuit, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that O'Hara's First Amendment and Fourth Amendment rights were violated. The settlement does not cover part of the lawsuit directed towards a National Guard noncommissioned officer.
O'Hara's detention occurred on September 11, 2025, and he was released after 15-20 minutes without being charged. The incident has drawn attention to the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., which has been a point of contention for many residents.
