Liberty Bell Center: Two Visitors Charged After Pushing and Oiling Iconic Artifact

Sean Gerlach, 50, of Fairview, North Carolina, and Dawn Hawa, 50, are accused of tampering with the Liberty Bell inside the Liberty Bell Center. Both defendants face federal charges related to the incident that occurred on May 16, 2026. The site is part of Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia.

According to investigators, Gerlach jumped over the protective barrier surrounding the bell. He then pushed the artifact until it swayed several times. Officials stated that the area Gerlach entered was not open to the public and that he was not authorized to be there. Gerlach is charged with tampering with property in a National Park and trespassing on National Park property.

Dawn Hawa, also known as Dawn Benitez, was charged with vandalism of property in a National Park. Investigators reported that she flicked an oily substance over the barrier protecting the bell. The material hit the artifact and remained on the bell and surrounding areas.

Surveillance video captured the events. On July 23, FBI agents interviewed Gerlach. The criminal complaint notes that he identified himself as the man in the footage. He admitted during the interview that he tried to ring the Liberty Bell.

If convicted, Gerlach faces a maximum prison sentence of one year. Hawa faces a maximum prison sentence of six months.