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.

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.