Two visitors accused of pushing and oiling Liberty Bell
Charges against a North Carolina man and woman include trespassing and vandalism after surveillance video captured the May 16 incident at the Independence National Historic Park.
By Haruka Ricci ·
Sean Gerlach and Dawn Hawa face federal charges for physically interacting with the Liberty Bell during a visit to Philadelphia in May. The pair allegedly bypassed safety barriers to touch the artifact and apply a foreign substance to its surface.
Gerlach, 50, of Fairview, North Carolina, is charged with tampering with property in a National Park and trespassing. Hawa, also 50, who also goes by Dawn Benitez, faces a charge of vandalism of property in a National Park. The incident took place on May 16, 2026, inside the Liberty Bell Center within Independence National Historic Park.
Investigators said Gerlach jumped over the barrier protecting the bell. He then pushed the object until it swayed several times. Officials noted the specific area Gerlach entered was not open to the public and he was not authorized to be there. Meanwhile, Hawa flicked an oily substance over the barrier. The liquid hit the bell and remained on the artifact and surrounding areas.
Surveillance video recorded the actions. On July 23, FBI agents interviewed Gerlach. He identified himself as the man in the footage. According to the criminal complaint, he admitted he tried to ring the Liberty Bell.
If convicted, Gerlach faces a maximum prison sentence of one year. Hawa faces a maximum of six months behind bars.
Source: WCAU
