Statement by Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan at the Sentencing for the Perpetrators of Vandalism to the National Archives

Statement by Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan at the Sentencing for the Perpetrators of Vandalism to the National Archives
Media Alert · Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Washington, DC

Yesterday in federal court the first of two individuals who pled guilty to vandalizing the encasement for the Constitution of the United States in February 2024 was sentenced for his crimes. Jackson Green was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to pay full restitution to the National Archives. His co-perpetrator, Donald Zepeda, will be sentenced this Friday.

Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan appeared at the court proceeding to deliver a victim impact statement on behalf of the agency. "They intentionally and willfully assaulted our shared past and the beliefs which unite us as Americans," said Shogan of Zepeda and Green. She asked the court to consider delivering a maximum sentence. "Anything less sends the wrong message to Americans about the rule of law, our system of government, and the principles which enable its peaceful continuity," Shogan said.

You may read the Archivist's full statement online.

"An act of desecration against the Charters is an act of desecration against our mission to share these records with all Americans," said Shogan after the sentencing. "I hope you will repudiate the vandals' actions and visit soon, in person if you can, or by learning more about the Charters online."

About the National Archives

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our government so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries and online at www.archives.gov.