Columbia University janitors sue anti-Israel agitators accused of holding them hostage in campus building
Share and Follow

Two janitors at Columbia University have filed a lawsuit against over 40 anti-Israel agitators who took over a campus building last April.

The janitors, Mariano Torres and Lester Wilson, filed the lawsuit on Friday in the Southern District of New York. On the night of April 29, 2024, the lawsuit states, Torres and Wilson were both working inside Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall when a “highly coordinated mob” broke into the university building.

According to the lawsuit, the anti-Israel protesters, whom the lawsuit describes as “occupiers,” “terrorized the two men into the early morning of April 30th, assaulted and battered them, held them against their will.”

The suit accuses the protesters of following an “underground manual,” which outlined how to “take illegal action with impunity.” When the janitors attempted to “defend” Hamilton Hall from the individuals, they were called “Jew-lovers,” “Jew-worker” and “Zionist.” At the time, the protesters renamed the building “Hinds Hall.”

Maintenance worker confronts anti-Israel protester at Columbia

A facilities worker went viral when he shoved an anti-Israel protester against a wall as chaos erupted at Columbia University. ( Alex Kent/Getty Images)

Pro-Palestinian protesters inside Hamilton Hall

Anti-Israel protesters inside Hamilton Hall. (NYPD)

One of the defendants, James Carlson, 41, allegedly shoved Torres, according to the lawsuit. Carlson also allegedly threatened Torres, stating “I’m going to get twenty guys up here to f— you up.”

“I’ll be right here,” Torres allegedly said as Carlson backed away.

Carlson’s lawyer, Robert Gottlieb, told Fox News Digital that the lawsuit’s claims are false.

“The claims against Mr. Carlson are patently false and defamatory. Mr. Carlson is Jewish Armenian and vehemently opposes genocide targeting any people. He never uttered antisemitic slurs to the plaintiffs, physically struck or threatened them at any time. The protesters in the photos included in the complaint are not Mr. Carlson and we will prove that,” Gottlieb said.

Both custodians claimed they had suffered physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the Hamilton Hall takeover. Because of their injuries, according to the lawsuit, Torres and Wilson haven’t been able to return to work.

While the groups weren’t named as defendants in the lawsuit, National Students for Justice in Palestine, AJP Educational Foundation, Inc., Faculty for Justice in Palestine Network, WESPAC Foundation and People’s City Council were all accused of planning antisemitic actions on Columbia’s campus.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who’s a partner at Torridon Law, which is representing the janitors, said the custodians “found themselves the victims of a hate-fueled, premeditated attack.”

A Columbia student looks at damage to windows of a door at Hamilton Hall at Columbia University

A Columbia student looks at damage to windows of a door at Hamilton Hall at Columbia University on April 30, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

“Mario and Lester are seeking the justice they deserve and sending a powerful message that those who terrorize others will be held accountable under the law,” Barr said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Columbia University for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Opulent development in downtown LA left to languish by Chinese owners

Stalled Luxury Project in Downtown LA Awaits Revival by Chinese Investors

Los Angeles is preparing to host two major international events: the 2026…
100 million Americans brace for Arctic blast TOMORROW

Massive Arctic Chill Set to Impact 100 Million Americans Tomorrow

Brace yourself for a frigid wave of Arctic air set to engulf…
Grammy 2026 nominations revealed: See the list

Grammy 2026 Nominations Announced: Explore the Complete List

As the anticipation built up around the upcoming award nominations, there was…
My best friend was my bully. It's taboo to say, but it ruined my life

From Friendship to Bullying: How a Best Friend’s Betrayal Impacted My Life

One afternoon, I found myself at my best friend Evie’s house, gathered…
How To Watch ‘9-1-1’ Without YouTube TV

Discover the Best Ways to Stream ‘9-1-1’ Without YouTube TV

The gripping start to the ninth season of 9-1-1 concluded last week…
Congressional Budget Office hacked in 'security incident'

Cybersecurity Breach Detected at Congressional Budget Office

On Thursday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revealed it had fallen victim…
The FAA's order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is set to take effect

Nationwide Flight Reductions Loom as FAA Implements Cuts Amid Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to implement an unprecedented order…
As Trump admin pushes Gaza peace plan, history shows UN peacekeeping’s mixed record

Trump Administration Advances Gaza Peace Proposal Amid UN Peacekeeping’s Varied Track Record

In a strategic move, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz,…