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University of Michigan Student in Heated Confrontation With Right-Wing Activists
Campus police arrested the student after officers saw the assault, and the confrontation came during an unpermitted event tied to a contentious Senate race.
On Sunday, a University of Michigan student was arrested after assaulting conservative influencer Lizzy Benichou on campus; officers witnessed the student shove Benichou to the ground while she was filming an event.
Before the assault, the student confronted commentator Joseph Anthony Redden at a table displaying signs questioning if Islam is compatible with Western values, clapping in his face and questioning his permit.
The conflict intensified when the student mocked Benichou's attire, claiming she would have to cover up in Iran, while onlookers debated the outfit's appropriateness, adding to the chaotic scene.
Responding officers intervened immediately, forcing the student to the ground and handcuffing her; while detained, the student shouted threats at Benichou and expressed incredulity about being arrested for hitting a "b***h."
Benichou stated she was assaulted for exercising her First Amendment rights in the United States; the incident occurred ahead of the Senate election, heightening political tensions between Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Republican Representative Mike Rogers.