DC to pay $50,000 to man who played Star Wars ‘Imperial march’ behind National Guard

Published June 26, 2026 12:13pm ET | Updated July 2, 2026 12:51pm ET



A partial settlement for $50,000 has been reached in a First Amendment lawsuit filed by a Washington, D.C., man who was detained after protesting National Guard troops by playing the “Imperial March” from Star Wars behind them last year.

Under the settlement, the District of Columbia agreed to resolve claims stemming from the conduct of Metropolitan Police Department officers. The lawsuit, however, will continue against Ohio National Guard Sgt. Devon Beck, who allegedly summoned police to stop the protest.

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