Climate Activists Sentenced for Vandalizing Historic U.S. Documents
Two men receive prison sentences for damaging display cases of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence during a protest.
Overview
- The vandalism incident occurred on February 14, when activists Jackson Green and Donald Zepeda targeted the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
- The activists used red powder, causing over $50,000 in damage and leading to the closure of the Rotunda for four days.
- Jackson Green was sentenced to 18 months in prison, while Donald Zepeda received a two-year sentence; both must pay restitution.
- The protest aimed to draw attention to climate change, but the judge criticized it as ineffective and harmful to their cause.
- Archivist Colleen Shogan emphasized the symbolic and physical significance of the documents, urging for severe penalties to deter future attacks.