Igor Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old tourist from Washington state, is facing legal action for throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal in Lahaina, Hawaii, which narrowly missed the animal. Caught on video, the incident occurred on May 5 and led to public outrage on social media. Prosecutors have charged him with harassment under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which could result in fines totaling up to $70,000 and a maximum of one year in prison for each charge. Lytvynchuk's attorney, Myles Breiner, argues that his client is being unfairly persecuted due to his race, claiming he was trying to protect nearby turtles, mistaking the monk seal for an aggressive sea lion. However, witnesses, including the individual who filmed the incident, reported that the seal was merely playing and posed no threat. US Attorney Ken Sorenson reiterated the commitment to protecting Hawaii's unique wildlife and ensuring accountability for those who harm it.