In September 2025, Sam O'Hara engaged in a unique form of protest by playing 'The Imperial March,' the iconic theme associated with Darth Vader from 'Star Wars,' while following a patrol of Ohio National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. This act was part of his demonstration against the federal law enforcement presence in the city, which he attributed to President Trump's administration.

O'Hara's actions were met with disapproval from the troops, particularly Sergeant Devon Beck, who perceived the music as a distraction. Beck contacted the Metropolitan Police Department, leading to O'Hara's detention. He was handcuffed for 15 to 20 minutes before being released without any charges being filed against him.

Following the incident, O'Hara filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia, four Metropolitan Police Department officers, and a member of the Ohio National Guard. He claimed that his detainment violated his rights against unreasonable seizures and excessive force under the First Amendment.

The District of Columbia has now agreed to a settlement of $50,000 to resolve the lawsuit. Importantly, the settlement does not imply any admission of wrongdoing by the district. O'Hara's case has drawn attention to issues surrounding the rights of individuals to protest and the conduct of law enforcement during such demonstrations.

This incident occurred during a period of heightened federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., which began in August 2025 following an executive order from President Trump declaring a crime emergency. O'Hara's protest was a response to what he viewed as an overreach of federal authority in local matters.

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between citizens exercising their right to protest and law enforcement's response to such actions. As protests continue to be a significant aspect of American civic life, the outcomes of cases like O'Hara's may influence future interactions between demonstrators and police.