Columbia janitors sue protesters over violent campus takeover
- Two janitors at Columbia University were allegedly held hostage during a violent protest in April 2024.
- They are suing over 40 protesters for assault and civil rights violations stemming from their treatment during the takeover.
- This lawsuit emphasizes the lasting impact of political protests on individual lives and the need for accountability.
In April 2024, Mario Torres and Lester Wilson, two janitors at Columbia University in the United States, were present during a violent takeover of Hamilton Hall by pro-Palestinian protesters. The event began late on April 29 and extended into the early hours of April 30, leading to physical confrontations and chaos as protesters stormed the building, barricading doors and vandalizing property. The janitors later described the incident as a coordinated assault with protesters allegedly carrying zip ties and duct tape, an indication of their planned intentions. They reported being held against their will and subjected to verbal harassment, including antisemitic remarks directed at them. The traumatic experience resulted in both men suffering from physical injuries and PTSD, affecting their ability to work and engage with their environment since the assault. Consequently, they filed a lawsuit against over 40 individuals involved in the protest, demanding accountability for the assault and battery they endured, as well as compensation for lost wages and medical treatments. The ongoing legal battle highlights the serious repercussions of political protest movements on individuals and the need for dialogue surrounding safety and civil rights on university campuses, demonstrating that the events surrounding the takeover continue to resonate and impact lives profoundly after a year.