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**Climate activists arrested after defacing renowned artwork: The audacity of the far-left environmentalists knows no bounds as two vandals are indicted for damaging a priceless Degas sculpture in a Washington, D.C. museum.**

Two brazen climate activists, Timothy Martin and Joanna Smith, both 53 years old, have been apprehended and charged with a federal conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and injure a national treasure. The pair deliberately tarnished the glass case and pedestal of Edgar Degas’ iconic sculpture, “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. this past April. They were taken into custody after surrendering in Raleigh and D.C., respectively.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) exposes the reckless behavior of these climate zealots, revealing how they brought paint-filled bottles into the museum and awaited the right moment to defile the treasured work of art. Undeniably, their actions were premeditated, as Martin and Smith handed their phones to accomplices, indicating they intended to capture this wanton act of destruction.

Adding to the absurdity of this situation, the Washington Post was notified ahead of time and even deployed two reporters to document the crime, bringing into question their complicity in encouraging such outrageous behavior. Furthermore, the extremist group called ‘Declare Emergency’ publicly claimed responsibility for the incident, boasting of their illegal deeds.

The DOJ highlights that the duo’s heinous actions caused roughly $2,400 in damages, forcing the removal of the masterpiece for ten days to facilitate restoration. Clearly, Martin and Smith do not possess an ounce of remorse, as they remain oblivious to the fact that they deprived art enthusiasts from appreciating a true gem.

As a result of their deplorable actions, Martin and Smith are now at risk of spending five years behind bars and paying a fine of up to $250,000. The FBI’s Art Crime Team, National Gallery of Art Police, and U.S. Park Police meticulously investigated this case, leaving no stone unturned.

**The desecration of a cultural masterpiece serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which extremists will go, proving that their so-called noble causes hold no value when measured against their reckless disregard for the beauty and heritage that truly enriches our great nation.**

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