National Archives Delivers Impact Statement At Constitution Vandal’s Sentencing

The National Archives delivered an impact statement Tuesday at the sentencing of two activists convicted of vandalizing the Constitution.

Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan released a statement regarding the two climate activists who vandalized the encasement of the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives, leaving a trail of controversy and damage. Shogan said that Jackson Green, who admitted to the crime, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Additionally, he faces over $50,000 in restitution costs. Shogan delivered an impact statement that underscored the severity of the incident as she reminded the court of the National Archives’ mission: preserving the nation’s historical records to strengthen democracy and promote public inquiry.

“As the nation’s records keeper, our mission at the National Archives is to preserve, protect, and share the historical records of the United States. We do that to strengthen our democracy and promote public inquiry. We take our mission very seriously, and work hard to ensure that all Americans have access to the documents we hold in trust,” Shogan said in a statement.

“When Donald Zepeda and Jackson Green conspired together on Valentine’s Day to defile the encasement of the Constitution, they were not just vandalizing a material object. Rather, they intentionally and willfully assaulted our shared past and the beliefs which unite us as Americans.”

The two climate activists were arrested in February at the National Archives after splattering pink powder on the case protecting the U.S. Constitution. Caught on video in the Rotunda, they claimed the protest was aimed at highlighting the urgent need for climate action and equality.

The National Archives’ highly skilled conservation staff quickly devised a non-invasive method to remove the paint, sparing the Constitution from lasting harm, according to Shogan’s statement. This painstaking cleanup took days, cost over $50,000 and required dozens of professionals working tirelessly to restore the space to its former glory.

To prevent such incidents from recurring, the National Archives has implemented enhanced security measures in the Rotunda, amounting to over $100,000 annually in taxpayer funds, Shogan said. Shogan said that the true value of what was attacked — the original Constitution — is incalculable.

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