Columbia University janitors settle case after being held hostage by anti-Israel rioters on campus
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Two Columbia University maintenance staff workers who alleged they were held hostage by anti-Israel protesters during a riot last year and were forced to scrub swastikas have settled a complaint with the Ivy League school.

Lester Wilson and Mario Torres settled with the university for an undisclosed sum, days after Columbia announced a $220 million settlement with the Trump administration for civil rights violations and racially discriminatory practices in an effort to restore federal funding, the New York Post reported.

The settlement included $200 million over discrimination claims and another $20 million to employees who alleged they were victims of civil rights violations. 

Wilson and Torres filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which sparked a civil rights probe into the school.

Maintenance crew confronts protesters

A maintenance crew member confronts demonstrators attempting to barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall at Columbia University April 30, 2024, in New York City.  (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

At one point, Torres reportedly used a fire extinguisher to defend himself and was hit on the back by protesters while Wilson was shoved and had furniture pushed into him. 

“‘I’m going to get twenty guys up here to f— you up’,” one masked rioter who shoved Torres threatened, according to the complaint. 

Both custodians claimed they had sustained physical injuries and PTSD as a result of the Hamilton Hall takeover.

They have returned to work since, a source told the Post. Officers with the New York Police Department eventually cleared the building and made more than 100 arrests. 

Before the riot at Hamilton Hall, Torres was required to scrub swastikas and became upset over the feeling that Columbia failed to take aggressive action against the vandals. 

Pro-Palestinian protesters inside Hamilton Hall

Anti-Israel protesters inside Hamilton Hall.  (NYPD)

“They were so offensive, and Columbia’s inaction was so frustrating, that he eventually began throwing away chalk that had been left in the classrooms so vandals would not have anything to write with,” Torres’ complaint alleged.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Columbia and Torridon Law, the firm founded by former Attorney General William Barr, which represented the two men in their complaint against the school. 

Fox News Digital’s Adam Sabes contributed to this report. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91

From Iconic 60s Star to Fierce Animal Advocate: Remembering Brigitte Bardot’s Legacy at 91

In 1969, Brigitte Bardot’s striking features were chosen to embody “Marianne,” the…
FBI agents detail Kash Patel's 'diva' behavior over screen time

FBI Agents Reveal Kash Patel’s Demands for Screen Time: Inside the Diva Drama

FBI agents have recently unveiled concerns regarding Director Kash Patel, alleging that…
Chicago crime: Police department warns of fake rideshare driver accused of sexual assault incidents in Old Town, Gold Coast

Giovanni Rosales Espinoza Apprehended and Charged with Aggravated Kidnapping in Porter, Texas, Reports MCSO

In a disturbing incident on Christmas Day, a Texas man has been…
Palisades councilmember blasts city after shocking doc on wildfires

Palisades Councilmember Criticizes City Following Revealing Documentary on Wildfires

An LA City Council member representing the Palisades has voiced concerns that…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three People Hurt in Shooting After Fight Erupts at Jacksonville Westside Bar, Police Report

A confrontation that began inside a restaurant escalated when the alleged shooter…
Iran declares 'full-scale war' with US as nuclear tensions escalate

Iran Announces Full-Scale Conflict with US Amid Escalating Nuclear Tensions

Iran’s president has declared that the nation is engaged in a “full-scale…
Year-end tax trap if you don't act BEFORE December 31: Expert guide

Avoid the Year-End Tax Trap: Expert Tips to Maximize Savings Before December 31

A unique twist in Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is…
Chevy Chase opens up about memory issues in upcoming documentary

Chevy Chase Reveals Struggles with Memory Loss in Candid New Documentary

Chevy Chase has opened up about experiencing memory loss following a significant…