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
Alaska storm damage so bad many evacuees won’t go home for at least 18 months, governor says

Alaska Storm Leaves Extensive Damage, Delaying Return for Evacuees by Up to 18 Months, Governor Reports

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The destruction wrought by last weekend’s flooding in…
President Donald Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow National Guard deployment in Chicago area

Trump Administration Requests Supreme Court’s Approval for National Guard Presence in Chicago

The Trump administration has taken its disagreement with Democratic governors to the…
Kim Kardashian wanted Sarah Paulson to 'bring it' when the star dressed up as her in 'All's Fair'

Kim Kardashian Challenges Sarah Paulson to ‘Bring It’ in Epic ‘All’s Fair’ Costume Showdown

LOS ANGELES — The glitz and glamour of Hollywood were in full…
Aggressive sea otter steals surfboard off Santa Cruz, California coast, bites surfer; water rescue ensues

Sea Otter Snatches Surfboard from Surfer, Triggers Rescue Operation off Santa Cruz Coast

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Surfers in Santa Cruz, California, are being advised…
Thatcher centennial celebration examines how Reagan partnership guides modern US-UK relations

Exploring Thatcher’s Legacy: How Her Alliance with Reagan Shapes Today’s US-UK Relations

Trump speaks with Putin one day before meeting with Zelenskyy Fox News’…
Daniel Cameron banking on his name ID to overcome lackluster fundraising in Kentucky Senate race

Can Daniel Cameron’s Name Recognition Outshine Fundraising Gaps in the Kentucky Senate Race?

In a lively gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, Senate hopeful Daniel Cameron addressed…
Epstein flight manifests revealed as House committee releases docs, transcript with former US attorney

House Committee Unveils Epstein Flight Manifests and Transcript with Former U.S. Attorney

On Friday, the House Oversight Committee unveiled a transcript of an interview…
Execution set for twisted killer who taunted police with message in victim's blood: 'Catch me if u can'

Infamous ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Killer Faces Execution: Justice for Chilling Crime Taunting Police with Blood Message

A man on death row in South Carolina is facing execution next…
Iran’s execution rate tops 1,000 this year as death row inmates launch hunger strike

Iran Surpasses 1,000 Executions in 2023 Amid Hunger Strike by Death Row Inmates

The United Nations has characterized Iran’s current rate of capital punishment as…
Illegal immigrant accused of offering $10K bounties to kill ICE agents on TikTok arrested with loaded gun: DHS

Arrest Made: Man Accused of Offering Bounties Against ICE Agents on TikTok Found with Loaded Firearm

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: A 23-year-old undocumented immigrant, accused of offering $10,000 via…
Video shows masked trio in Halloween costumes terrorize family in attempted home invasion

Masked Trio in Halloween Costumes Attempt Home Invasion, Terrify Family in Chilling Footage

A chilling video has emerged showing a group of individuals in menacing…
Hamas defends executions of Palestinians after Trump issues stern warning to terror group

Hamas Justifies Palestinian Executions Amid Trump’s Strong Warning to the Group

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In a recent interview with Reuters, a senior Hamas…