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US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal’s head
The suspect faces charges under federal wildlife laws after a witness video showed a rock thrown at the endangered seal, prosecutors said.
- On Wednesday, federal agents arrested Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk near Seattle for allegedly throwing a rock at Lani, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
- Prosecutors allege Lytvynchuk threw a coconut-sized rock at the seal in Lahaina on May 5, causing the animal to "abruptly alter its behavior," according to cellphone video.
- When witnesses confronted him, Lytvynchuk reportedly said he was "rich enough to pay the fines" before walking away, and Lani remained largely immobile after the incident.
- Lytvynchuk is scheduled for a District Court appearance Thursday, facing charges carrying up to one year in prison per count and potential fines totaling up to $70,000.
- With only 1,600 Hawaiian monk seals remaining in the wild, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said the charges send a clear message that cruelty toward protected wildlife will not be tolerated.
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US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at endangered Hawaii monk seal’s head
A tourist who drew widespread condemnation in Hawaii after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at “Lani,” a beloved, endangered Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach, was arrested Wednesday by federal agents.
·Atlanta, United States
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King5 News+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Man arrested after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal's head
A tourist who drew condemnation after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at a monk seal in Hawaii has been arrested. (Photo: Kaylee Schnitzer)
·Seattle, United States
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Total News Sources29
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Center
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
84% Center
L 16%
C 84%
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