Country Fest Attack Spurs LN Suit

Live Nation could be headed to court in New Jersey, where a concertgoer recently filed suit alleging the promoter’s negligence led to violence and mayhem during the WXTU Anniversary Concert at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden.

John Sweeney claims he suffered a broken eye socket, a broken jaw and other serious injuries that required the insertion of two metal plates in his face after he was attacked during the country festival June 2.

Live Nation and other organizers were “negligent in that it failed to maintain order as it was obligated and contracted to under the terms of the agreement to provide security services, allowed patrons who were visibly and obviously intoxicated to remain on the grounds, failed to have a proper number of security guards [and] allowed an unruly and dangerous condition to exist without taking necessary and proper action,” the suit says.

The suit also notes Sweeney, whose attack was caught on video, wasn’t the only one injured in connection with the event. More than 160 others were injured and nearly 200 were arrested during this year’s concert, authorities said.

And last year, a local police officer assigned to work a traffic post near the venue was reportedly stabbed in the chest while he attempted to break up a fight as concertgoers left the festival.

Following this year’s fest, the city announced it would hire more than 100 part-time officers to beef up security during concerts, WPVI News reported. Live Nation, which also operates the venue, told the station it would “continue to review and assess our procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our fans.”

Performers at this year’s WXTU Anniversary Concert included Miranda Lambert, Jerrod Niemann and Kix Brooks.