Pro-Israel Activist Assaulted on Michigan Campus, Attacker Makes Threats
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Pro-Israel activist Liz Benichou was pushed to the ground and threatened by a student on Sunday at the University of Michigan. The student, who was arrested and later released, made a death threat against Benichou after an argument over an event display. Benichou reported a back injury and intends to sue, while the student was identified by some as a supporter of a Democratic candidate, an unverified claim.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Pro-Israel activist Liz Benichou was assaulted and threatened by a student at the University of Michigan.
- The student pushed Benichou to the ground and stated, "I should have killed you when I had the chance."
- The incident occurred near a Liberty Under Fire USA event questioning Islam's compatibility with Western values.
- Benichou reported a lower back injury and intends to file a lawsuit.
- The student was arrested and released pending potential charges.
Pro-Israel activist Liz Benichou was assaulted on Sunday at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Videos circulating on social media show a female student violently pushing Benichou to the ground before a police officer intervened. After being handcuffed and escorted to a police vehicle, the student stated, "I should have killed you when I had the chance," and confirmed she was not joking when questioned by a witness.
Benichou, known online as "Based in Malibu" and associated with the MAGA movement, was attending an event hosted by the conservative organization Liberty Under Fire USA. The confrontation began near a booth displaying questions about Islam's compatibility with Western values. The student reportedly confronted the organizers, accusing them of anti-Muslim rhetoric and demanding to see a permit for the event.
According to reports, Benichou joined the exchange and made a comment about the student's attire, asking what would happen if she dressed that way in Iran. The student then threw her phone and pushed Benichou with both hands, causing her to fall. The student attempted to kick Benichou as bystanders intervened. A police officer eventually subdued the student.
The university police confirmed they responded to an unauthorized event and witnessed the assault of an individual not affiliated with the university by a student. The student was arrested and released pending a decision on potential charges. Police reported no injuries to Benichou, though Taylor Sharp of Liberty Under Fire USA told Mediaite that Benichou sustained a lower back injury from the fall.
Benichou stated she is receiving care and will recover, thanking the intervening officers. Her organization indicated she intends to file a lawsuit. Some conservative activists identified the student as a supporter of Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, though this affiliation has not been independently verified.