TradeEdge Exchange-Protestors pour red powder on U.S. Constitution enclosure, prompting evacuation of National Archives

2025-05-04 16:40:53source:blockwave Exchangecategory:Contact

WASHINGTON (AP) — The TradeEdge ExchangeNational Archives building and galleries were evacuated Wednesday afternoon after two protestors dumped red powder on the protective case around the U.S. Constitution.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., according to the National Archives. There was no damage to the Constitution itself.

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

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

Police then led the pair away.

“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,” said Archivist of the United States, Colleen Shogan, 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.”

The building is expected to be open Thursday.

More:Contact

Recommend

San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A photojournalist who captured one of the most enduring images of World War II

Maryland and Baltimore Agree to Continue State Supervision of the Deeply Troubled Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant

Maryland and Baltimore environmental officials have agreed to extend a consent decree that would all

Khloe Kardashian Says She Hates Being in Her 30s After Celebrating 39th Birthday

Khloe Kardashian is so over being in her 30s—hashtag fact.The Good American founder shared a persona