Statement on Disorderly Conduct at the National Archives Building on January 10, 2025
Media Alert · Friday, January 10, 2025

Washington, DC

During an organized protest outside of the National Archives building in Washington, DC, on January 10, 2025, several people were arrested by the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department after removing a National Archives exhibit banner and attempting to replace it with an unauthorized banner. The incident is being investigated. Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan released the following statement:

“We take this incident very seriously and will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“As Archivist of the United States, I want to make it clear that the National Archives is here to preserve, protect, and share the nation's historical records for all Americans. We respect the right to free speech, but criminal conduct undermines our core purpose of serving as an open space for public engagement with history. The National Archives is a place of learning and reflection for Americans, not a venue for acts of vandalism.”