First He Got Beat Up, Now He's Been Arrested — The Seal Attacker's Karma Just Got Worse

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:02]An arrogant [music] US tourist from Covington, Washington who cruelly hurled a rock at a beloved Hawaiian monk seal named Lani was arrested by federal agents on Wednesday, [music] a week after he claimed he'd get away with the alleged animal abuse because he's rich.

[00:00:16]This comes days after a local Hawaiian was hailed as a hero for delivering what some called instant karma for pummeling the entitled tourist after the attack on the animal.

[00:00:28]Local resident Kaylyn Schnitzer captured the shocking moment the tourist approached the endangered seal, known by Hawaiians as Lani, before he tossed a massive rock at her as she swam along the shoreline in Lahaina on May 5th, according to local officials.

[00:00:44]However, things only got more despicable, according to Schnitzer. She revealed on Fox 13 that the unnamed 37-year-old from Seattle had no remorse for his actions. And that's when we were finally like, "Look, we called the cops.

[00:00:57]Like, you need to stay here." And he was like, "I don't care. Fine me. I'm rich."

[00:01:01]After other beachgoers learned of the visitor's disgusting, caught-on-camera act, at least one enraged local went after the seal abuser and repeatedly punched him. Viral video circulating online purports to show the local Hawaiian is now being hailed as a hero for pummeling Lani's attacker, earning himself a letter of recognition from a state senator during a meeting.

[00:01:22]We've all seen, or some of us have seen, environmental activists, I like to call them, who took matters into his own hands to educate what might happen if you mess with our land or or the animals. And um our attorney over here wants to make it clear we don't condone violence, but we did make a letter of recommend recognition for Mr. Ambassador of Aloha.

[00:01:47]Maui's Mayor Richard Bissen condemned the disgusting attack on social media.

[00:01:51]>> [music] >> This is not the kind of visitor we welcome on Maui.

[00:01:54]We welcome respectful visitors who understand that our culture, environment, and [music] wildlife must be treated with care and aloha.

[00:02:02]Behavior like this will not be tolerated. I assure you that I will see to it personally that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

[00:02:12]Whether at the county, state, or federal level, there must be serious consequences for anyone who harms or threatens protected wildlife.

[00:02:22]Hawaiian monk seals are protected under state and federal law from harassment and harm. If charged, the man could face a $50,000 fine and possible jail time.