A recent act of vandalism at the National Archives Rotunda in Washington D.C. on Wednesday afternoon has shocked and angered many. Two individuals identified as climate activists, caused an uproar when they dumped red powder on the encasement protecting the U.S. Constitution.
According to reports, the incident took place just before 2:30 p.m. local time. The National Archives immediately detained the two suspects, and the footage of the incident showed security guards waiting before making any arrests. This has sparked questions about the security measures at the National Archives.
In a statement, Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, expressed her disappointment and called the Rotunda a sanctuary for our nation’s founding documents. She also stated that vandalism will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“The National Archives Rotunda is the sanctuary for our nation’s founding documents,” Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, said in a statement. “They are here for all Americans to view and understand the principles of our nation. We take such vandalism very seriously and we will insist that the perpetrators be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Video footage captured by documentarian Ford Fischer showed the two males covered in red powder. The powder was also scattered on top of the protective display case holding the U.S. Constitution.
As the guards evacuated the Rotunda, one of the suspects can be heard saying that they were “determined to foment a rebellion”, while the other talked about the principles of our nation and how all people should have the same rights, not just wealthy white men.
The National Archives announced that the Rotunda will remain closed for cleaning on Thursday, February 15, while the rest of the Archives will be open to the public. The suspects were arrested by D.C. police and are facing federal charges.
It was later revealed that they are connected to the climate activist group “Declare Emergency,” which demands President Biden to declare a formal state of climate emergency.
In a retweet, the group wrote, “We don’t want the end of civilization, but that’s the path we’re currently on.” They also mentioned their nonviolent civil disobedience as love in action every day, not just on Valentine’s Day.
That these “security guards” are enabling the desecration of the very display they’re being paid to protect — the original United States Constitution — would seem to indicate their jobs aren’t about security at all but rather are merely glorified welfare. pic.twitter.com/ql7d0AYBoA
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) February 14, 2024
The incident at the National Archives Rotunda has raised concerns about the safety of our nation’s historical documents and the importance of protecting them.
