9/11 Responder Sues Webster Hall For Bite Attack On 20th Anniversary

LOWER MANHATTAN, NY — A 9/11 first responder who says he was bitten on the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 at a Webster Hall event is now suing the venue, according to his attorney and court records.

Retired firefighter Michael Balfe blamed Webster Hall for failing to protect him from the attack he suffered on Sept. 11, 2021, in a civil suit filed Monday in New York Supreme Court, records show.

“[Balfe] is a former lieutenant of the fire department, who retired as a result of the effects of 9/11," said his attorney Darren Moore. "On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, he sustained serious injuries in an attack that occurred at Webster Hall."

The lawsuit contends Webster Hall security guards did not step in fast enough to stop Balfe from being "viciously attacked, bit and assaulted" by a man that caused him "seriously bodily injuries and harm."

Webster Hall did not respond to Patch's request for comment on Monday.

The suit does not specify what event Balfe attended, but Webster Hall hosted Apocalyptica — a symphonic metal band from Finland — and Lost Kings, a duo that does progressive house music on the night in question.

It is unclear if they were the only bands playing the Lower Manhattan venue that night.

"[He] sustained serious and permanent injuries, suffered, does suffer and will continue to suffer agony to body and mind," the suit contends.

Balfe is asking the court for the "maximum sum permitted by law" for the damages and expenses incurred from the attack.