Columbia University janitors settle case after being held hostage by anti-Israel rioters on campus
Share this @internewscast.com

Two maintenance employees from Columbia University who claimed they were taken hostage during an anti-Israel protest and coerced into cleaning swastikas have reached a settlement with the prestigious institution.

Lester Wilson and Mario Torres agreed on a settlement with Columbia University, though the amount was not disclosed. This took place shortly after the university declared a $220 million agreement with the Trump administration to address civil rights breaches and racially biased practices, aiming to resume federal funding, as reported by the New York Post.

The settlement allotted $200 million towards addressing discrimination claims and an additional $20 million to staff who reported experiencing violations of civil rights.

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. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
California AG takes stance on Menendez brothers prosecutor staying on case amid resentencing battle

Menendez Brothers Face Parole Board as Gov. Newsom Weighs Release Decision

Erik and Lyle Menendez will soon face California’s parole board, marking a…
Alexandra Rosenfeld, Miss France, on the Miss Universe 2006 catwalk.

Beauty Queen Allegedly ‘Headbutted’ by Celebrity Chef Ex with Michelin Star and A-List Clientele

A FORMER Miss Europe beauty queen has claimed her celebrity chef ex-boyfriend…
Florida must stop expanding Alligator Alcatraz immigration center, judge says

Judge Orders Halt to Expansion of Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz Immigration Center

A federal judge has issued an injunction to stop the further expansion…

Investigations launched at Colorado funeral home after hidden door reveals decomposing bodies

DENVER (AP) — Colorado authorities announced on Thursday that they are investigating…
Putin issues formal demands to end Ukraine war after meeting with Trump: report

Putin sets conditions to halt Ukraine conflict post-Trump meeting: report

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently made his conditions known for halting military…
Bryan Kohberger questioned: Inside his first interview with police after Idaho student murders

Idaho Police Chief Shares New Insights on Bryan Kohberger Student Murder Case

Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro joined ‘Fox & Friends’ to talk about…
Second federal judge blocks Justice Department bid to release Jeffrey Epstein grand jury files

Federal Judge Blocks Justice Department’s Request to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Grand Jury Files for the Second Time

<!–> Judge denies request to unseal Ghislaine Maxwell records Fox News’ Trey…
Sounds Like They're Cracking: Texas Democrat Gene Wu's Latest Whine Is One for the Books

High-Stakes Drama as Texas House Decides on New Redistricting Maps

On Wednesday, the Texas House Democrats’ effort to stall the passage of…
Retired Washington state detective who survived on-duty shooting found dead after Montana boating incident

Former Washington State Detective Who Survived On-Duty Shooting Found Dead Following Boating Accident in Montana

A former detective from Washington state, who survived a shooting while on…
Northwestern University, former football coach Pat Fitzgerald reach settlement in hazing scandal

Northwestern University Settles Hazing Scandal with Ex-Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald

In Evanston, Illinois, attorneys for former head football coach of Northwestern University,…
Family photo of two parents and two children.

Final Days of Distressed Mother Emily Long, 34, Who Chronicled Her Descent Before Family Tragedy

DEVASTATING information has emerged about the last days of a New Hampshire…
Donald Trump Jr. speaking at a conference.

Donald Trump Jr. Questions Cracker Barrel’s New ‘Woke’ Logo as Share Prices Drop

CRACKER Barrel’s latest rebrand has stirred major controversy as the southern comfort…