A Washington, D.C. resident who protested President Donald Trump’s surge of National Guard troops in the nation’s capital was awarded a “significant” settlement after being placed in handcuffs last year for following troops while playing “Star Wars” music.
“I’m pleased that the D.C. police recognize their part in violating my rights,” said Sam O’Hara, 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 I’m pleased and [the settlement] was significant and meaningful.”
Last fall, O’Hara 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 wasn’t pleased with O’Hara’s form of protest, and ended up contacting D.C. police.
With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, O’Hara 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.
Working in the hospitality industry, O’Hara told the Post that the surge of National Guard troops in D.C. was a genuine strain on his line of work.
“Having the National Guard standing out in front of your beautiful restaurant is not really attractive for people coming into the restaurant,” he told the Post.
As for his unique form of protest, O’Hara said he continues it to this day, “often using a portable JBL speaker,” the Post reported.
“It’s just the idea that at any point someone can stop me from practicing my right to protest,” O’Hara said.