Activists Sentenced for Defacing U.S. Constitution and National Artwork
Two Declare Emergency activists have been sentenced to prison for dumping red powder on the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives and vandalizing national artwork in high-profile climate protests.
In a case that has sent ripples across the nation, two climate activists were sentenced to prison for a high-profile attack on the U.S. Constitution and vandalism of iconic artwork at the National Gallery of Art. The incidents, which caused over $58,000 in damages, have reignited debates on protest tactics, the sanctity of national treasures, and the line between activism and crime.
Donald Zepeda, 35, of Maryland, and Jackson Green, 27, of Utah, received sentences of 24 months and 18 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in a February 14, 2024, attack on the U.S. Constitution housed at the National Archives. Both men, members of the activist group Declare Emergency, admitted to dumping red powder over the display case containing the Constitution in an act of protest intended to draw attention to climate change.
The fallout from their actions extended beyond the physical damage. The Rotunda of the National Archives was closed for four days, preventing access to one of the country’s most cherished symbols of democracy. The restoration cost was a staggering $58,646, not to mention the disruption caused to students, visitors, and D.C. residents.
A Pattern of Vandalism and Escalating Tactics
The attack on the Constitution was not an isolated incident. Zepeda and Green were also involved in a string of prior acts of vandalism targeting culturally significant art and monuments. Green, for instance, had defaced the Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial at the National Gallery in November 2023, painting "Honor Them" in red next to the names of the regiment, which commemorates the service of African American soldiers in the Civil War. The damage to this historical piece struck a nerve with many, as the memorial represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s fight for equality.
Zepeda, described in court as a key organizer for Declare Emergency, had orchestrated and filmed multiple attacks. These included smearing red and black paint on Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer Aged Fourteen at the National Gallery in April 2023, alongside other acts of civil disobedience, such as blocking rush-hour traffic in D.C.
Their actions, while aiming to spotlight the climate crisis, have sparked widespread condemnation for targeting irreplaceable artifacts and memorials of cultural significance. The irony of defacing the very symbols of freedom and justice they claim to protect has not been lost on critics.
Justice Served, but at What Cost?
In handing down the sentences, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson underscored the gravity of the offenses, emphasizing that such acts of destruction undermine public trust and do little to further the activists' cause. In addition to their prison terms, both Zepeda and Green were ordered to pay restitution of $58,600 and complete community service, including cleaning graffiti. They were also banned from all museums and monuments nationwide.
Despite the convictions, questions linger. Did these acts of vandalism spark meaningful dialogue about climate change, or did they alienate potential allies? Critics argue that the attacks trivialized their cause by associating it with destruction and disrespect for national heritage.
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A Dangerous Precedent for Protest
The FBI’s Art Crime Team, which investigated the case, expressed concerns about a growing trend of targeting cultural institutions for political protest. “These are not just objects—they are symbols of our collective history and identity,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist. “When you attack them, you attack all of us.”
The case highlights the complex intersection of activism, criminality, and public outrage. While the climate crisis is undeniably urgent, using national treasures as a platform risks polarizing public opinion and diminishing the broader message.
A Divided Public Reaction
Reactions to the sentencing have been mixed. Some view Zepeda and Green as martyrs for the climate cause, willing to risk their freedom to draw attention to an existential threat. Others see their actions as reckless and self-defeating, overshadowing the issue they sought to highlight.
“It’s one thing to protest; it’s another to destroy what belongs to all of us,” said a visitor to the National Archives. “If they want change, they need to inspire, not alienate.”
As the U.S. grapples with growing divisions over climate policy, one thing is clear: the debate about how to protest effectively—and responsibly—will only intensify. For Zepeda and Green, however, the debate will continue behind bars.
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