Sam O’Hara, a resident of Washington, D.C., emphasized that themes of standing up against authoritarianism found in Star Wars remain relevant today. O’Hara’s experience led to a lawsuit settlement after being detained for playing Darth Vader’s ‘Imperial March’ during a protest against National Guard patrols.
The incident occurred in September 2025 when O’Hara played the iconic theme in Dupont Circle as National Guard members were present. Metropolitan Police detained him for 20 to 30 minutes but released him without charges. The city agreed to a $50,000 settlement with O’Hara, yet he stated it did not provide him with complete comfort.
O’Hara continues to protest the presence of the National Guard and addressed the issue of accountability. He remains troubled that taxpayers would cover the settlement instead of those he feels violated his rights. “I don’t think it’s fair that D.C. taxpayers, like myself, pay this money,” he added. O’Hara suggested that penalties should come from the officers’ pensions to encourage more responsible use of power.
Despite his arrest, O’Hara’s determination to exercise his First Amendment rights remains undeterred. He explained that his protest using the ‘Imperial March’ was a deliberate act of peaceful political expression. By employing music, he aimed to convey his viewpoint without conflict. His actions went viral, sparking international attention and community support.
“Using art and using music—I think that spoke for itself. The song I chose brings up feelings in others that I wanted to convey. It paints a picture and it tells a story on its own,” he said.
O’Hara was inspired to act when he observed armed National Guard patrols amid everyday activities in Dupont Circle. The scene seemed ‘dystopian’ to him. He drew parallels between the guards and the Storm Troopers in Star Wars, and emphasized the timeless relevance of the film’s themes.
Support from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has bolstered O’Hara’s legal challenge, which continues regarding Ohio National Guard member Sergeant Devon Beck. O’Hara hopes for greater accountability from those involved, seeking acknowledgment of wrongdoing and constitutional understanding.
Michael Perloff, senior staff attorney at ACLU-D.C, reinforced the importance of protest under the First Amendment in a statement, “The government doesn’t get to decide if your protest is funny, and government officials can’t punish you for making them the punchline.”
Despite the events, O’Hara remains a dedicated Star Wars enthusiast, embracing his identity as a fan.