Key facts
- The District of Columbia will pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by Sam O'Hara.
- O'Hara claimed police officers illegally detained him for protesting a federal law enforcement surge.
- He was playing Darth Vader's theme song from "Star Wars" on his cellphone during the protest.
- The settlement includes attorney's fees and costs.
- O'Hara's claims against an Ohio National Guard member are still pending.
The District of Columbia has agreed to a $50,000 settlement in a lawsuit filed by Sam O’Hara, who alleged his First and Fourth Amendment rights were violated when he was detained by police. O’Hara was playing "The Imperial March" from "Star Wars" on his cellphone while following an Ohio National Guard patrol as a form of protest against a federal law enforcement surge in Washington D.C. Officers handcuffed O’Hara for 15 to 20 minutes before releasing him without charges. The settlement, which includes attorney's fees and costs, is not an admission of wrongdoing by the district. O’Hara, an artist in the hospitality industry, expressed satisfaction with the settlement amount. His claims against Sgt. Devon Beck, an Ohio National Guard member, are still pending.