In a shocking incident at the National Archives, two individuals have been charged after allegedly dumping a "fine red powder" over the display case containing the US Constitution, according to the Justice Department. Donald Zepeda, 35, and Jackson Green, 27, were charged with felony destruction of government property, but have both pleaded not guilty.

The incident, captured in a video posted online, shows Zepeda and Green standing in front of the encased Constitution, giving a speech about climate change. The two individuals are said to be members of the Declare Emergency climate protest group, which has been involved in several recent high-profile protests related to climate change, including the vandalism of the National Gallery of Art in April 2023.

This act of vandalism is part of a disturbing trend of targeting historic artworks and documents during climate protests. In 2023, the UK activist group Just Stop Oil flung tomato soup on Vincent van Gogh's famous painting "Sunflowers," and activists in Stockholm smeared red paint and glued their hands to the protective glass of "The Artist's Garden at Giverny."

Thankfully, the National Archives confirmed that the Constitution itself remained undamaged within its encasement. However, the cleanup process cost over $50,000 and resulted in the closure of the Rotunda for four days, causing inconvenience to visitors.

Interestingly, Green had previously faced charges for defacing the Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial at the National Gallery of Art with red paint, as stated in court documents. As part of his release conditions in that case, Green was ordered to stay away from the District of Columbia and all museums or public monuments. Despite these restrictions, he allegedly entered the National Archives and committed the act of vandalism.

Considering the potential risk to historical artifacts and government property, as well as to the safety of employees responsible for their preservation, a federal judge ordered Green's detention until his trial. The judge deemed him a risk to the continued integrity of these valuable items and the public's right to access and appreciate them.

The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is housed within the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom on the upper level of the National Archives. This revered display represents the cornerstone of American democracy and remains an enduring symbol of the nation's values and principles.

As the trial unfolds, the actions of Zepeda and Green raise important questions about the boundaries of protesting and the protection of cultural heritage. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in balancing freedom of expression with the responsibility to safeguard historical treasures for future generations.