Two janitors at Columbia University have filed a lawsuit against over 40 anti-Israel agitators who took over a campus building last April.
Two janitors, Mariano Torres and Lester Wilson, initiated a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York on a Friday. The incident occurred on the night of April 29, 2024, when both Torres and Wilson were on duty in Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall amidst a break-in by what the lawsuit describes as a “highly coordinated mob.”
As per the lawsuit, the individuals involved in the break-in are referred to as anti-Israel protesters and labeled as “occupiers.” Allegedly, they subjected Torres and Wilson to a night of assault, battery, and unlawful detainment, which lasted into the early hours of April 30th.
The lawsuit claims that the protesters followed a secret manual instructing them on how to engage in illegal activities without facing consequences. When the janitors tried to protect Hamilton Hall from the intruders, they were subjected to derogatory terms like “Jew-lovers,” “Jew-worker,” and “Zionist.” Additionally, during the incident, the protesters renamed the building as “Hinds Hall.”
A facilities worker went viral when he shoved an anti-Israel protester against a wall as chaos erupted at Columbia University. (Â Alex Kent/Getty Images)
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 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.
