The National Archives building and galleries were evacuated Wednesday afternoon after two protesters dumped red powder on the protective case around the U.S. Constitution. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., according to the National Archives. There was no damage to the Constitution itself.
Quick Read
- Protest at National Archives: Two protesters disrupted the National Archives by dispersing red powder on the U.S. Constitution’s protective case, leading to an evacuation.
- Incident Timing: The event took place around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with no harm to the Constitution itself.
- Protesters’ Message: Captured on video, the protesters, covered in red powder, declared their intent to incite a rebellion for environmental justice.
- Immediate Response: Authorities apprehended the individuals involved shortly after the act.
- Official Reaction: The Archivist of the United States, Colleen Shogan, condemned the vandalism, emphasizing the significance of the founding documents and calling for strict legal action.
- Resumption of Operations: The National Archives building is slated to reopen the following day, Thursday.
The Associated Press has the story:
National Archives evacuated after protesters deface Constitution enclosure with red powder
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP) —
The National Archives building and galleries were evacuated Wednesday afternoon after two protesters dumped red powder on the protective case around the U.S. Constitution.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., according to the National Archives. There was no damage to the Constitution itself.
A video posted on the X social media platform shows two men covered in reddish-pink powder standing in front of the equally splattered horizontal glass case that houses the Constitution.
“We are determined to foment a rebellion,” one man says. “We all deserve clean air, water, food and a livable climate.”
Police then led the pair away.
“The National Archives Rotunda is the sanctuary for our nation’s founding documents. They are here for all Americans to view and understand the principles of our nation,” Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan said in a statement. “We take such vandalism very seriously and we will insist that the perpetrators be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The building is expected to be open Thursday.
