Unseen Fallout: Climate Activists Target Iconic American Symbol

United States Constitution

Two climate activists brought attention to environmental justice issues by vandalizing the display of the United States Constitution, resulting in legal consequences and sharp criticism.

At a Glance

  • Activists Jackson Green and Donald Zepeda poured red powder on the U.S. Constitution’s display case.
  • The protective encasement preserved the Constitution, but cleaning efforts closed the rotunda.
  • The vandalism led to an 18-month prison sentence for Green.
  • U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan criticized the act as a violation of American values.

Vandalism at the National Archives

Jackson Green and Donald Zepeda, climate activists, dumped red powder on the case housing the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Security personnel detained the suspects, who were later identified by the Metropolitan Police Department. The protest, which involved speeches highlighting climate concerns, led to the closure of the rotunda for a costly cleanup process.

The incident is part of a growing trend of climate activism targeting symbolic cultural artifacts and institutions. In recent years, similar protests have occurred globally, often conveying the activists’ message about environmental justice. A video capturing Green and Zepeda’s protest was viewed widely, stirring public discourse about the methods of climate activism.

Legal Outcomes and Reactions

Jackson Green received an 18-month prison sentence, along with two years of supervised release and a restitution fee of $50,000. Green’s previous encounters with the law include a protest at the National Gallery of Art. Zepeda’s legal proceedings are ongoing. The red powder, a mix of pigment and cornstarch, posed no direct threat to the document, yet U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan emphasized the gravity of the vandalism.

“We take such vandalism very seriously and we will insist that the perpetrators be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan said.

The National Archives’ staff and patrons experienced distress over the attack, as initial fears about the substance used evoked memories of past threats to national security. The meticulous cleaning of the rotunda involved a significant number of personnel, emphasizing the gravity and scale of the incident’s impact.

Implications and Reflections

These activist actions have sparked a debate on the balance between advocacy and respect for national symbols. The Constitution represents core American principles, and many view the protest as an affront to shared values. The activists claim that they aimed to draw attention to global climate issues, arguing for a means to ensure a sustainable future for all. This event raises important questions about the efficacy and ethics of protest tactics in the pursuit of environmental justice.

“Enshrined in the Rotunda at the heart of the building are the original founding charters of the United States of America – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These documents are the physical embodiment of our nation’s core principles and symbolize what it means to be an American,” Colleen Shogan said in court.

In the aftermath, discussions continue on how to balance responsible environmental stewardship with the need to preserve and honor our nation’s historical artifacts. As we address the challenges of climate change, it’s essential to pursue practical, sustainable solutions that respect and protect the symbols of our national heritage and cultural identity.