A University of Michigan student was taken into custody after physically attacking conservative Jewish influencer Liz Benichou during a reported free-speech event on campus.
What happened
Benichou, who uses the handle 'basedinmalibu' on social media, was hosting an open debate when a female student approached, began shouting, and allegedly struck another conservative influencer in the face with her phone before turning on Benichou. The female student asked about a permit for the event and clapped in the face of another conservative influencer, Joseph Anthony Redden, who was sitting at a table with signs that read 'Is Islam evil?' and 'Is Islam compatible with the West?'
Benichou told Fox News that she commented on the female student's freedom to express herself, referencing the Iranian government's treatment of protesters. The female student then lunged at Benichou, using both hands to knock her to the ground and attempting to stomp her before a male intervened and pulled the attacker away.
The female student was arrested and handcuffed, and while in custody, she shouted and cursed at Benichou, saying 'I should have f**king killed you while I had the f**king chance.' Benichou injured her lower back in the attack but stated that she will not be silenced.
The University of Michigan Police Department said the case will be forwarded to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for review. Benichou's manager, Taylor Sharp, told Mediaite that Benichou plans to press charges against the arrested student.
