Categories: U.S.

National Archives Rotunda to stay closed Friday after environmental activists dump powder on US Constitution

close Video

National Archives Rotunda evacuated after climate activists dump pink powder on case holding US Constitution

The climate activist group "Declare Emergency" was behind the act. (Credit: Ford Fischer / News2Share)

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account! Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided.

The National Archives Rotunda will remain closed through Friday after environmental activists dumped red powder on the protective display case holding the U.S. Constitution. 

The National Archives initially said the Rotunda would be closed to the public for the remainder of Wednesday and reopen on Thursday. The Rotunda is now closed Thursday and Friday for cleaning. 

The rest of the National Archives Building will be open on its regular schedule. 

Climate activists dumped red powder on the protective display case holding the U.S. Constitution.  (Ford Fischer)

The National Archives building and galleries were evacuated Wednesday afternoon after two protesters dumped red powder on the U.S. Constitution’s protective casing around 2:30 p.m. 

There was no damage to the Constitution itself.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS SUE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT WHALES FROM SHIP COLLISIONS

A video posted online shows two men covered in reddish-pink powder standing in front of the equally splattered horizontal glass case that houses the Constitution.

The suspects were arrested within minutes.  (Ford Fischer)

“We are determined to foment a rebellion,” one man says. “We all deserve clean air, water, food and a livable climate.”

The duo was arrested within minutes. 

“The National Archives Rotunda is the sanctuary for our nation’s founding documents. They are here for all Americans to view and understand the principles of our nation,” Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan said in a statement. “We take such vandalism very seriously and we will insist that the perpetrators be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. 

Share

Recent Posts

Trump’s first 100 days: Pace of executive orders leaves Congress in the dust

Tuesday marks President Donald Trump's first 100 days back in the White House, and it's…

2 hours ago

Blue state governor makes another appearance with Trump before his 100-day speech: ‘Happy we’re here’

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Mich., greeted President Donald Trump on the tarmac in Michigan before his…

2 hours ago

Canadian Conservative Poilievre to lose seat in parliament in stunning fall

close Video Canada's Carney says 'old relationship with the United States is over' Canada's Mark…

4 hours ago

Israeli foreign minister slams UN, calls it ‘rotten, anti-Israel, and antisemitic body’

close Video Anti-Israel protests have become 'anti-American and anti-police,' study warns Capital Research Center investigative…

4 hours ago

Norway raises security concerns over Manhattan-sized Arctic land sale as tensions rise

close Video Man drops gun, flees charging polar bear in Norway Dramatic video captures a…

4 hours ago

Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan ‘temporarily relieved of her official duties’ by Wisconsin Supreme Court

close Video Wisconsin judge reportedly threatens not to hold court in protest of Judge Hannah…

4 hours ago