Oliver James Montgomery-Protestors pour red powder on U.S. Constitution enclosure, prompting evacuation of National Archives

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Oliver James MontgomeryNational 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.