Two Charged in Liberty Bell Damage Case
Federal prosecutors have charged two people from North Carolina and Pennsylvania over alleged damage to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Property Crime
The U.S. Attorney's Office charged Sean Gerlach, 50, of Fairview, North Carolina, with tampering with property and trespassing, and Dawn Hawa, 50, of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with vandalism of property, after an alleged incident at the Liberty Bell Center on May 16, 2026. Both were charged by information.
Why it matters
The charges involve alleged physical contact with one of Philadelphia's most recognized historic landmarks, which is housed inside Independence National Historic Park. The case shows federal authorities pursuing damage to a national monument.
Gerlach faces tampering with property and trespassing charges carrying a maximum of one year in prison, while Hawa faces a vandalism charge carrying up to six months. Both were charged by information, and no plea or court date has been reported.
The players
U.S. Attorney's Office
The federal prosecutor's office that filed the charges against both defendants in this case.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The federal law enforcement agency that investigated the incident alongside the National Park Service.
National Park Service
The federal agency that manages Independence National Historic Park, where the Liberty Bell is displayed, and that co-investigated the case.
The details
Prosecutors allege that on May 16, 2026, Gerlach jumped over the barrier that keeps visitors from approaching the Liberty Bell and forcefully pushed the bell until it swayed several times. Hawa allegedly flicked an oily substance over the barrier, which hit and remained on the bell and surrounding areas.
Timeline
May 16, 2026: Gerlach and Hawa allegedly visited the Liberty Bell Center and damaged the bell.
Nov. 2, 2026: The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the charges against Gerlach and Hawa.
Legal Context
Federal charges for damage to a national monument reflect the role of the National Park Service and federal prosecutors in protecting sites like the Liberty Bell within Independence National Historic Park. The case is being handled as a federal matter rather than a local one.
Visitors to the Liberty Bell Center should expect the bell to remain behind a protective barrier, which is intended to keep people from approaching it too closely. The case underscores that touching or damaging the bell can lead to federal charges.
The takeaway
Damage to protected public landmarks can bring federal charges even when the act seems brief, and visitors are expected to respect barriers placed around historic objects. The case is a reminder that these protections apply to everyone who visits.
Further reading
Explore more Philadelphia property crime coverage for context on local incidents involving public and historic property.
