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Protest Musician Sam O’Hara Settles DC Detention Lawsuit

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sam O’Hara settled lawsuit with the District of Columbia after being detained and handcuffed in September 2025.
The protest, where Sam O’Hara played the Imperial March, targeted President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy Guard units to Washington, D.C.
The American Civil Liberties Union said Sam O’Hara will receive compensation, but settlement details remain undisclosed.
The Justice Department argued Sam O’Hara’s music could distract troops and claimed qualified immunity shields officers.

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Story summary

Sam O’Hara settled lawsuit with the District of Columbia after being detained and handcuffed in September 2025.
The protest, where Sam O’Hara played the Imperial March, targeted President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy Guard units to Washington, D.C.
The American Civil Liberties Union said Sam O’Hara will receive compensation, but settlement details remain undisclosed.
The Justice Department argued Sam O’Hara’s music could distract troops and claimed qualified immunity shields officers.