Protesters throw red powder at US Constitution fence, prompting evacuation of National Archives

Washington: The National Archives building and galleries were evacuated Wednesday afternoon after two protesters poured red powder into protective boxes surrounding the U.S. Constitution.

According to the National Archives, the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. The constitution itself was not compromised.

A video posted on the X social media platform showed two men covered in red and pink powder standing in front of a horizontal glass case containing the constitution.

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

The police then took the two men away.

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

The building is expected to open Thursday.

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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from Yonhap News Agency-The Associated Press)