A climate activist has been sentenced to prison for vandalizing a case holding the U.S. Constitution, raising questions about the limits of environmental protest.
What is wrong with these climate alarmists?
At a Glance
- Jackson Green sentenced to 18 months in prison for vandalizing Constitution’s encasement
- Activists dumped red paint on case to highlight environmental justice issues
- National Archives closed for cleaning; Constitution undamaged
- U.S. Archivist condemns act as assault on shared American values
- Green ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution; co-activist awaits sentencing
Radical Environmentalism Targets American Heritage
In a brazen act of vandalism masquerading as environmental activism, two climate zealots have defaced the encasement of the United States Constitution – and they’re now going to prison. Jackson Green, one of the perpetrators, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for this attack on our nation’s founding document. This incident highlights the growing trend of radical environmentalists resorting to destructive and illegal tactics under the guise of promoting their agenda.
Green and his accomplice, Donald Zepeda, pleaded guilty to destruction of government property after dumping red powdered paint on the case housing the Constitution. While the document itself remained unharmed, the National Archives was forced to close its rotunda for cleaning, inconveniencing visitors and staff alike. This reckless act not only disrespected our nation’s heritage but also caused unnecessary strain on public resources.
After climate activist sentenced for vandalizing painting, more activists attack same painting https://t.co/0fqtMO811V
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) September 27, 2024
The activists claimed their actions were meant to highlight the rights to clean air, water, food, and a livable climate for all people. However, their misguided approach only serves to alienate potential supporters and undermines the very principles they claim to uphold. U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan rightly condemned the vandalism, emphasizing the symbolic importance of our founding documents.
The incident caused significant emotional distress among National Archives staff and the public. Initially, there was uncertainty about the nature of the substance used, leading to comparisons with past anthrax and ricin attacks. This unnecessary panic is a direct result of the activists’ irresponsible behavior and showcases the real-world consequences of their misguided crusade.
“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,” U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan said.
Green has been ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution for cleanup costs, a fitting consequence for his destructive actions. This financial burden serves as a reminder that vandalism and property destruction come with real costs, both to the perpetrators and to society at large. As for Zepeda, his sentencing is scheduled for the near future, and we can only hope that justice will be served equally in his case.
