#Torridon Law #Hamilton Hall #Columbia Custodians

Torridon Law Takes a Stand for Custodial Employees

In a significant move, Torridon Law has partnered with the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law to file a federal lawsuit on April 28, 2025. This legal action seeks justice for two custodial employees, Mariano ''Mario'' Torres and Lester Wilson, who allege they endured violent attacks during the 2024 takeover of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University.

Background of the Incident

On April 29, 2024, Columbia University's Hamilton Hall became the site of a chaotic mob takeover, which more than 100 students and outside activists participated in, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs accuse these individuals, including individuals specifically named in the lawsuit, of premeditated violence that left them with serious physical injuries and emotional trauma.

The former Attorney General Bill Barr expressed outrage over this disturbing incident, labeling it a climate of hate and lawlessness that has taken root on Columbia's campus. He lamented how the custodians, who simply went to work to support their families, found themselves as victims of this unnecessary violence.

Allegations and Claims

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, not only targets the individual rioters—some affiliated with the university—but also those outside agitators and extremist organizers who are alleged to have planned the attack. Barr has emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for such acts accountable, making it clear that perpetrators cannot hide behind the actions of a mob.

The documentation presented by Torridon Law includes details indicating that the rioters employed tactical strategies that suggest a high level of organization and intent. Days before the occupation, these individuals convened at various locations to strategize their takeover, highlighting the thorough planning behind the aggression they enacted towards the staff, including Torres and Wilson.

The Impact on Victims

As a direct result of the violence they were subjected to, both Torres and Wilson have been unable to return to their jobs. Their injuries and the emotional toll taken on them have led to lasting trauma, including multiple medical issues and symptoms indicative of PTSD. To address their hardships, they are seeking unspecified financial compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and the long-term implications on their careers and well-being.

The defendants in this case include James