Pennsylvania woman and North Carolina man charged over Liberty Bell incident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 19:21 · Archive

A Pennsylvania woman and a North Carolina man face federal charges after allegedly damaging the Liberty Bell during a visit in May.

Dawn Hawa, 50, of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and Sean Gerlach, 50, of Fairview, North Carolina, are facing federal charges for allegedly damaging the Liberty Bell during a visit to Independence National Historical Park on 16 May.

Gerlach is accused of jumping over a protective barrier and 'forcefully pushing' the bell, causing it to sway several times. Surveillance cameras captured his actions, according to prosecutors. During an interview with FBI investigators in July, Gerlach identified himself in the security footage and admitted that he 'tried to ring the Liberty Bell'.

Hawa is accused of flicking an oily substance on the Liberty Bell and the surrounding area. A spokesman declined to comment on what the substance was, citing the active status of the case. Gerlach was charged with tampering with property in a National Park and trespassing on National Park property. Hawa faces one count of vandalism of property in a National Park.

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

How it is being reported

• Man who allegedly 'tried to ring' the Liberty Bell to face federal chargesSean Gerlach, 50, of Fairview, North Carolina, is facing charges for allegedly trying to ring the Liberty Bell during a visit on May 16, 2026. Also, Dawn Hawa, 50, of Ephrata, Lancaster County, is facing charges for allegedly flicking an oily substance on the bell during the same visit.PhillyVoice · 3 Nov, 18:36
• Pa. woman charged with vandalizing Liberty Bell, North Carolina man accused of trying to ring itDawn Hawa of Ephrata and Sean Gerlach of North Carolina are facing federal prison time in connection with the May incident.PennLive · 2 Nov, 21:37

In this story: Dawn Hawa · Sean Gerlach · Liberty Bell · Independence National Historical Park · Ephrata · Fairview, North Carolina

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log