Federal authorities have charged a Washington businessman after a viral video allegedly showed him throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui shoreline, igniting outrage online and drawing renewed attention to wildlife protection laws in Hawaii.
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was arrested Wednesday near Seattle following the May 5 incident involving one of the world’s rarest marine mammals, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prosecutors allege Lytvynchuk targeted a Hawaiian monk seal known locally as “Lani,” an animal that residents closely follow and protect.
Viral Video Sparked Public Outrage
The incident gained national attention after witnesses recorded video appearing to show a man tossing a rock toward the seal while standing on a Maui beach.
In the footage, bystanders can be heard confronting the man moments after the alleged act.
“What are you doing? Why would you throw a rock at it?” one woman shouted in the video.
According to federal officials, the rock narrowly missed the seal’s nose, startling the animal and causing concern among witnesses about its condition afterward.
“The rock narrowly missed her nose, startling her, and causing her to rear up out of the water,” the Department of Justice said in a statement.
Officials added that Lani reportedly remained mostly motionless for an extended period following the encounter, alarming those nearby.
Businessman Faces Federal Wildlife Charges
Lytvynchuk has been charged with harassment and attempted harassment of an endangered species under both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison on the charges, along with financial penalties totaling as much as $70,000.
Business records cited in the report show Lytvynchuk owns a logistics and trucking company based in Kent, Washington.
The allegations intensified further after witnesses claimed he dismissed concerns at the scene by stating he was “rich enough to pay the fines.”
Hawaiian Monk Seals Remain Critically Rare
The Hawaiian monk seal is among the rarest marine mammals in the world, with roughly 1,600 believed to remain in the wild, according to the Department of Justice.
The species is federally protected, and harming or harassing the animals can trigger serious criminal penalties.
The case has renewed focus on wildlife safety in Hawaii, where officials continue urging residents and visitors to respect protected species and maintain safe distances from marine animals.
U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson condemned the alleged actions and emphasized the federal government’s commitment to protecting Hawaii’s wildlife.
“The unique and precious wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are renowned symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its incredible biodiversity,” Sorenson said.
He added that authorities are committed to ensuring individuals accused of harming protected wildlife face accountability in federal court.
Social Media Reaction Intensifies After Arrest
The video triggered a wave of anger online, with social media users quickly identifying the suspect and demanding legal action.
Following news of Lytvynchuk’s arrest, many users celebrated the federal charges publicly.
“Karma doesn’t care how rich you are,” one X user wrote.
Another commenter said they hoped “justice is served in court.”
The case has since become a flashpoint in broader conversations about environmental protection, public behavior around wildlife and the role viral videos play in accelerating investigations.
