Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old resident of Covington, Washington, has found himself at the center of controversy after being accused of throwing a rock at a monk seal in a widely circulated video. According to his attorney, Myles Breiner, Lytvynchuk has faced threats and has been “doxxed” as public outrage over the incident continues to grow.
Breiner, speaking to the Associated Press, highlighted the backlash his client has experienced since the video’s release, which has sparked significant public anger and online harassment.
The video in question reportedly shows a man, alleged to be Lytvynchuk, throwing a rock at the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal while the animal was swimming near the Maui shoreline.
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Lytvynchuk is now facing two federal charges related to the incident, which took place on May 5, 2026, involving the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The Department of Justice has taken action against him for his alleged actions.
Images from Hawaii show a Hawaiian monk seal resting peacefully on a beach, a reminder of the fragility and importance of protecting endangered species. (Photo credits: Ryan Jenkinson/Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii)
He is due in federal court Wednesday.
As a result of the May 5 incident and the amassed global attention, Lytvynchuk is facing charges of harassing and attempting to harass a protected animal. He was arrested in the Seattle area on May 13.
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A Hawaiian monk seal and her newborn pup rest on a Waikiki beach in Honolulu on June 29, 2017. (Audrey McAvoy/AP)
In an interview with local outlet KHON, Breiner went on the record to say, “I want to be resoundingly clear to the public — he never intended to injure the monk seal.”
Breiner maintains his client was only trying to protect seals in the area.
Monk seals are a highly endangered species with only 1,600 left in the world, according to NOAA.
A Hawaiian monk seal sunbathes on a beach in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii, on March 27, 2022. (Danielle Pellini)
If convicted, Lytvynchuk could face up to a year in prison on each charge, along with a fine of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Breiner’s law office for comment.
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