Man’s Protest with Star Wars Theme Highlights Constitutional Rights

Sam O’Hara, a Washington, D.C. resident, emphasized the timeless nature of standing against oppression after a controversial incident. He was handcuffed for playing the iconic ‘Imperial March’ from Star Wars during National Guard patrols at Dupont Circle in September 2025.

Recently, O’Hara, 35, settled his lawsuit with the District of Columbia that stemmed from his detainment by police officers for 20 to 30 minutes. While the city agreed to a $50,000 settlement, O’Hara expressed that the money didn’t bring him closure.

“I’m still very upset that the National Guard is here,” he stated. “I won’t feel closure until they’re gone.” Though his claims against the Metropolitan Police were resolved, his case against Ohio National Guard member Sergeant Devon Beck continues.

According to the lawsuit, Beck expressed displeasure with the protest, threatening to involve Metro PD. When the police responded, they detained O’Hara without charges.

Addressing those involved, O’Hara hoped that the National Guard member learned a lesson. He stressed the importance of upholding the U.S. Constitution and citizens’ rights.

O’Hara expressed dissatisfaction that taxpayers would bear the cost of his settlement, saying, “In an ideal world, whoever infringed on my constitutional rights should pay the fines.” He suggested penalizing police pensions might prevent future misuse of power.

Despite the ordeal, O’Hara’s resolve to exercise his First Amendment rights remains strong. Encouraged by his upbringing and organizations like the ACLU, he holds confidence in his rights.

“Knowledge is power,” he noted, recalling the wrongful arrest and his warnings to the officers about the legal consequences.

O’Hara chose ‘Imperial March’ as a deliberate means of peaceful protest. He aimed to communicate through music rather than confrontation, saying, “I wasn’t harming anyone. Using art and music spoke for itself.”

Inspired spontaneously during a walk with his dog, O’Hara saw armed patrols among families enjoying the park. He described the scene as ‘dystopian,’ reminiscent of Storm Troopers.

He linked George Lucas’s work with current themes, asserting that Star Wars’ messages remain relevant against tyranny.

O’Hara’s viral protest sparked global attention, with his neighbors greeting him with “May the Force be with you.” The legal proceedings continue as he seeks accountability from the remaining defendant.

Hoping for acknowledgment of wrongdoing, O’Hara said, “In a dream world, I would get a handwritten letter from Beck.” However, he remains realistic about the outcome and hopes for enhanced respect for constitutional rights.

He praised the ACLU’s involvement, highlighting their support. Michael Perloff, an ACLU attorney, underscored the First Amendment’s importance, stating that government shouldn’t punish protests simply because they find them humorous.

Despite the controversy, O’Hara, a self-proclaimed Star Wars enthusiast, maintains his fandom with pride.