Lawyer: Harvard Law grad accused of setting fire at NYC chapel housing 9/11 remains was drunk

Lawyer: Man drunk during fire at 9/11 remains site

NEW YORK — A defense lawyer says a Harvard Law School graduate accused of setting a fire at a New York City chapel that temporarily housed the remains of Sept. 11 victims was so drunk he barely remembers being there.

Attorney Alan Lewis told a Manhattan judge Wednesday that Brian Schroeder “has very limited memories of being inside” the weatherproof tent where the city has stored the remains of unidentified victims.

Prosecutors say Schroeder told police it felt like an adventure and that he thought he was dreaming as he scaled a fence and set fire to mementos and benches in Memorial Park on Oct. 31. Officials have said victims’ remains weren’t damaged.

Schroeder has pleaded not guilty to arson and other charges. The 2009 graduate lost a law firm job offer after his arrest.