Attorney for man accused of throwing rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal says client was protecting turtles
A businessman is facing federal charges for allegedly throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. His attorney claims that the man was trying to protect sea turtles resting on the rocks. The incident, which was captured on video, has sparked significant public outrage.
- ▪Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, is accused of harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on May 5, 2026.
- ▪He faces two federal charges that could result in up to one year in prison for each count.
- ▪Lytvynchuk's attorney argues that he intended to scare the seal away from sea turtles, not to harm it.
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Law Attorney for man accused of throwing rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal says client was protecting turtles Viral video appeared to show Igor Lytvynchuk throwing a rock at the seal and boasting about his wealth on a Maui beach By Michael Sinkewicz Fox News Published May 17, 2026 8:46pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video FOX News Sunday - Sunday, May 17 Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.); singer Amy Grant; panel discussion with Rachel Campos-Duffy, Mark Walker and Roger Zakheim. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The attorney for a businessman accused of harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal is publicly defending his client after a viral video captured the incident and sparked outrage online.
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