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'

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A Columbia janitor who was 'held hostage' by a mob including a millionaire advertising heir says he fears for his job as he hit out at the school for failing to protect him.

Mario Torres was one of several facilities 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 been too scared to return to campus since.

'It all comes down to the school, it's not really public safety's fault even though I felt abandoned my them,' Torres told the Free Press.

'The school could have done more to a) prevent this and b) to be there for us when we needed them.

Columbia janitor Mario Torres, who was 'held hostage' by a mob including a millionaire advertising heir, says he fears for his job as he hit out at the school for failing to protect him

Torres (pictured) was one of several facilities 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 ad execs who lives in a four story $3.4 million Brooklyn townhouse

'We don't expect to go to work and get swarmed by an angry mob with rope and duct tape and masks and gloves.'

His comments come as it emerged the head of John Samuelsen the Transport Workers Union slammed Columbia president Minouche Shafik,  as he revealed plans to sue the institution for failing to involve police sooner.

'It's on them to protect their workforce and they didn't do it,' Samuelsen told Politico.

More than 100 protesters were arrested at Hamilton Hall last week after riot-gear clad cops stormed the building via an upstairs window.

This included the group's leader, James Carlson, the 40-year-old son of millionaire ad execs who lives in a four story$3.4 million Brooklyn townhouse.

Carlson, who also goes by Cody Carlson and Cody Tarlow, was arrested by the NYPD and charged with burglary and illegal entry after he stormed Columbia's Hamilton Hall and re-named it 'Hind' Hall.

The accused, who is described as 'a long-time figure in the anarchist world' by officials, was also arrested for allegedly attacking a police officer during the violent G8 protests in San Francisco in 2005, according to the New York Post.

Torres revealed his terror as he allegedly came face-to-face with Carlson.

NYPD cops dressed in riot gear stormed through the window of a Columbia University building occupied by dozens of pro-Palestine protestors to begin clearing them out

Columbia University protestors smashed windows, upended furniture and caused damage throughout Hamilton Hall amid their brief occupation

Images and video showed extensive damage to Hamilton Hall after protestors were evicted on Tuesday night

'He had a Columbia hoodie on, and I managed to rip that hoodie off of him and expose his face. I was freaking out. At that point, I'm thinking about my family. How was I gonna get out? Through the window?' He said.

Torres also pointed out that Hamilton Hall has historically been targeted by students protesters in the past.

He questioned why there was not more campus security around the historic hall. 

'They should have protected us a little bit more. Even when I left the building I did not see one public safety officer what's that about? We had to fight our way out,' he added.

'They make people feel uncomfortable, other workers. They need to find another place to protest,' Torres said.

'People don't feel safe walking through a mob to punch in to get into campus. That's crazy, they're right there. Move them somewhere else.'

He added he is reluctant to get involved with the politics amid fears of retaliation. 

'Who is wrong or who is right is not the story. Whether I believe in what they do or not I have nothing to do with that. Leave me alone,' Torres said as he explained that the protests appeared to have been 'funded'.

'We found out who this paid agitator is, he's worth millions, I'm not. I don't want to p*** people off.'

NYPD riot cops released dramatic video showing the moment they stormed Columbia University's occupied Hamilton Hall

Around 100 protesters were arrested at Hamilton Hall during the raid, including Carlson who is charged with  burglary and illegal entry

Protesters seized Hamilton Hall by force last week, renaming in Hinds Hall in honor of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed alongside her family by Israeli forces in Gaza.

Torres has not been able to work since the traumatic events and fears that he could face consequences for speaking out. 

'My concerns are I haven't been to work since that happened I have a family to support, this story is going to blow over, is Columbia going to retaliate to find a reason to fire me? Is someone going to come after me?' he said.

'I think that they failed and I think that's the bigger story. They should have done more to protect us and they didn't.' 

A GoFundMe has now been set up for Torres to cover his expenses and legal fees.

'In a distressing event that went viral from Columbia University’s encampment, a dedicated facilities worker, Mario Torres, found himself in a harrowing situation that has since threatened his livelihood and well-being,' the GoFundMe states.