A University of Michigan student was arrested Sunday after a physical confrontation with conservative activists on campus. The incident occurred at an unpermitted event where activists were engaging students about political issues.
Video footage shows the student confronting two men at a table with a sign reading 'Is Islam Compatible with the West?' She was heard saying, "This is f***ing stupid, bro," and later approached a conservative influencer, Lizzy Benichou, who was also present. After Benichou commented on the student's attire in relation to wearing it in Iran, the student pushed Benichou to the ground.
A campus police officer intervened, and the student was taken into custody. While being handcuffed and escorted to a police van, she made further aggressive remarks toward Benichou, including, "I should've killed you when I had the chance."
University of Michigan police confirmed that officers responded to the unpermitted event and witnessed the student assault a woman not affiliated with the university. The student was processed and released pending warrant authorization. No injuries were reported.
The incident occurred days before a significant US Senate election in Michigan, where voters are choosing between Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Representative Mike Rogers. The race has seen notable endorsements, including Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens' endorsement of Rogers, a move that led to her being declared unwelcome by the Michigan Democratic Party Chair.