Mariano Torres, a maintenance worker at Columbia University, found himself caught in the middle of a chaotic takeover of Hamilton Hall by pro-Palestinian protesters. He and two other maintenance workers were inside the building when the protesters entered, creating a frightening situation. The workers felt that the university had not done enough to prevent the attack or assist them once the building was under siege. They were trapped inside and had to make their own way out, feeling abandoned by those responsible for their safety.
Only one security guard was on duty when the demonstrators entered the building, despite heightened tensions from the ongoing protests outside. The workers called for help, but police and public safety officers did not arrive in time to assist them. Nearly 20 hours passed before the police finally cleared the building, resulting in nearly 50 arrests, including some individuals unaffiliated with the university. The union representing the workers criticized Columbia for failing to protect its employees and failing to share critical information with them.
The workers described encounters with the protesters as unsettling, with attempts to reason and bribe them to step aside. The protesters utilized tactics like barricading doors and windows with furniture and chains, demonstrating a level of organization and preparedness that left the workers feeling powerless. Mr. Torres was forced to confront protesters to demand his freedom, while Mr. Wilson found himself pleading for his release as he was stuck inside the building.
Mr. Torres and Mr. Wilson expressed their dismay at the actions of the protesters, which they felt were unnecessary and traumatizing to the workers involved. They questioned the motives behind the takeover of the building, wondering why such extreme measures were necessary to convey their message. Both men stated that they never want to work in Hamilton Hall again, highlighting the lasting impact of the incident on their sense of safety and well-being.
Despite the traumatic experience, the workers emphasized their dedication to their jobs and their frustration at feeling abandoned by the university during a crisis. They called for more support and communication from Columbia to ensure the safety of employees in similar situations. The union raised concerns about the lack of protection for the workers and the failure to provide crucial information that could have prevented the occupation of the building.
In response to the incident, the university acknowledged the violations of policy and law committed by the protesters and expressed commitment to ongoing efforts to support the entire university community. The university spokeswoman emphasized the value of the workers and their dedication to Columbia, acknowledging the challenges they faced during the takeover of Hamilton Hall. The incident underscored the need for improved security measures and communication protocols to prevent similar situations in the future.
