Columbia janitor who was ‘held hostage’ by mob including ad heir who lives in $3.4m mansion says he fears for his job and hasn’t been back to work: ‘The school failed us’
A Columbia janitor who was “held hostage” by a gang including a millionaire advertising heir says he fears for his job when he attacked the school for failing to protect him.
Mario Torres was one of several facility workers caught up in the violence when pro-Palestine protesters stormed Hamilton Hall on April 30.
The father of two had to fight his way out of the building and has since been too scared to return to campus.
“It all comes down to the school, it’s not really public safety’s fault even though I felt let down,” Torres told the school. Free press.
‘The school could have done more to a) prevent this and b) be there for us when we needed them.
Columbia janitor Mario Torres, who was ‘held hostage’ by a gang including a millionaire advertising heir, says he fears for his job when he attacked the school for failing to protect him
Torres (pictured) was one of several facility workers caught up in the violence when pro-Palestine protesters stormed Hamilton Hall on April 30.
The group was led by James Carlson, the 40-year-old son of millionaire advertising executives who lives in a $3.4 million, four-story mansion in Brooklyn.
“We don’t expect to be swarmed to work by an angry mob with rope, duct tape, masks and gloves.”
His comments came as it emerged that Transport Workers Union head John Samuelsen slammed Columbia President Minouche Shafik as he unveiled plans to sue the institution for not involving police sooner.
“It’s up to them to protect their staff and they haven’t done that,” Samuelsen said Politics.
More than 100 protesters were arrested at Hamilton Hall last week after officers dressed in riot gear stormed the building through an upstairs window.
Among them was the group’s leader, James Carlson, the 40-year-old son of millionaire advertising executives who lives in a $3.4 million four-story Brooklyn mansion.
Carlson, who also goes by Cody Carlson and Cody Tarlow, was arrested by the NYPD and charged with burglary and illegal entry after storming Columbia’s Hamilton Hall and renaming it “Hind” Hall.
The suspect, described by officials as “an old figure in the anarchist world,” was also arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer during the violent G8 protests in San Francisco in 2005, police said. New York Post.
Torres revealed his fear when he came face to face with Carlson.
NYPD officers, dressed in riot gear, burst through the window of a Columbia University building occupied by dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters to begin clearing them out
Columbia University protesters smashed windows, overturned furniture and caused damage throughout Hamilton Hall during their brief occupation
Images and video showed extensive damage to Hamilton Hall after protesters were evicted Tuesday evening
“He had a Columbia hoodie on and I managed to rip that hoodie off of him and expose his face. I panicked. At that moment I think of my family. How was I supposed to get out? Through the window?’ He said.
Torres also pointed out that Hamilton Hall has been targeted by student protesters in the past.
He wondered why there wasn’t more campus security around the historic hall.
‘They should have protected us a little more. Even when I left the building, I didn’t see a single public safety officer. What is that about? We had to fight our way out,” he added.
“They make people feel uncomfortable, other employees. They need to find another place to protest,” Torres said.
‘People don’t feel safe if they have to push through a crowd to enter the campus. That’s crazy, they’re there. Move them somewhere else.”
He added that he is reluctant to get involved in politics for fear of retaliation.
‘Who is wrong or who is right is not the story. Whether I believe in what they are doing or not, that has nothing to do with me. Leave me alone,” Torres said, explaining that the protests appeared to be “financed.”
‘We have discovered who this paid agitator is, he is worth millions, not me. I don’t want to rip people off.’
NYPD riot police have released dramatic video of the moment they stormed Columbia University’s occupied Hamilton Hall
During the raid, approximately 100 protesters were arrested at Hamilton Hall, including Carlson who is charged with burglary and illegal entry
Torres has not been able to work since the traumatic events and fears he will face consequences if he speaks out.
“My concern is that I haven’t been to work since that happened. I have a family to support, this story will blow over, is Columbia going to retaliate to find a reason to fire me? Is someone coming after me?’ he said.
“I think they failed and I think that’s the bigger story. They should have done more to protect us, but they didn’t.”
a GoFundMe has now been set up for Torres to cover his costs and legal fees.
“In a harrowing event that went viral from the Columbia University encampment, a dedicated facilities worker, Mario Torres, found himself in a harrowing situation that has since threatened his livelihood and well-being,” the GoFundMe said.