Pair Charged Over Liberty Bell Incident in Philadelphia

Federal prosecutors charged Sean Gerlach, 50, a Fairview, North Carolina, resident, and Dawn Hawa, 50, who lives in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, over alleged actions at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia on May 16, 2026. Hawa is also known as Dawn Benitez, court documents say.

Prosecutors allege Gerlach crossed the barrier around the bell and pushed it repeatedly, making it sway. Gerlach allegedly told FBI agents on July 23 that he had tried to ring it.

Hawa is accused of flicking an oily substance over the barrier. It landed on the bell and nearby display areas, authorities say. The substance was later cleaned by the National Park Service. Prosecutors have not reported damage to the bell.

Gerlach faces charges of trespassing on National Park property and tampering with property in a national park. Hawa is charged with damaging property within a national park. The FBI and National Park Service investigated the incident.

If convicted, Gerlach could receive up to one year in prison, while Hawa could face up to six months. The Liberty Bell, which has a prominent crack, has not been rung since around 1846.