In a shocking incident at the National Archives in Washington D.C., two climate change activists were detained after dumping red powder on the protective case of the U.S. Constitution. The incident led to the immediate closure of the National Archives rotunda and galleries for a thorough evaluation and cleanup.
The suspects, identified as Donald Zepeda and Jackson Green, are members of the climate change group Declare Emergency. The incident happened on February 14, 2024, around 2:30 p.m., which set off an immediate investigation into the matter. Despite the disruptive act, the Constitution was not damaged due to the protective encasement. However, an ongoing evaluation is being conducted to assess any potential damage to the rotunda.
Footage of the two men, covered in red powder, surfaced on social media shortly after the incident. In the video, they were seen making speeches about climate change and advocating for a “livable climate.”
Dr. Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States, strongly condemned the act. She emphasized the importance of the documents housed in the National Archives Rotunda and has pledged to prosecute the perpetrators. She stated, “These documents are national treasures that tell the story of our country. This kind of behavior is not just illegal, it’s disrespectful to the millions of people who have fought for the freedoms these documents represent.”
The incident is not an isolated one, as climate change activists have been internationally recognized for their protests at art galleries. Some of these protests have led to damage to famous artworks like the “Mona Lisa” and “Sunflowers.”
Despite the disturbance, the National Archives is set to reopen to the public the following day, according to official statements. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme measures some activists are willing to take to draw attention to their cause, and the ongoing challenge of balancing the right to protest with the protection of national and cultural treasures.
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