The National Archives Rotunda and galleries in Washington, DC, have been closed to the public after an incident of vandalism occurred earlier today. At approximately 2:30 pm, two individuals dumped red powder on the encasement protecting the U.S. Constitution. Swift action was taken by security personnel, who immediately detained the perpetrators.

Thankfully, the Constitution itself remains unharmed in its encasement, and no damage was done to the document. However, the National Archives' conservators were quickly on the scene to assess the situation and evaluate any potential damage to the Rotunda. As a result, the Rotunda will be closed for cleaning on Thursday, February 15.

The National Archives, responsible for safeguarding the nation's founding documents, condemned the act of vandalism and stated that they take such incidents very seriously. Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, expressed the agency's determination to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

For any media inquiries regarding this incident, the National Archives Public and Media Communications can be contacted at (202) 357-5300 or via email at public.affairs@nara.gov.

The National Archives Building, apart from the Rotunda, will remain open to the public on its regular schedule. The Rotunda, often considered the sanctuary for the nation's founding documents, such as the U.S. Constitution, is a significant tourist attraction, allowing Americans to view and understand the principles upon which the nation was built.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing our historical artifacts. The National Archives will continue its work in preserving the country's rich heritage for future generations to appreciate.

For those interested in staying connected, the National Archives can be reached through various communication channels, including social media platforms.