Michigan University student arrested for attacking Jewish influencer during heated clash over appearance in Iran: ‘I should have killed you’

A Jewish activist advocating for former US President Donald Trump was physically assaulted and threatened with death by a student at the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus on Sunday, according to social media videos and reports from US media outlets. The incident occurred during a political event organized by conservative activists, sparking outrage over antisemitism on US university campuses.

The confrontation began near a booth displaying questions about Islam's compatibility with Western values and its perceived evil. The activist, Liz Benichou, joined the argument, questioning the student about her clothing and the consequences of walking around "like that" in Iran. The student responded by violently attacking Benichou, knocking her to the ground, shoving her, and attempting to kick her.

Police intervened and arrested the attacker, who continued making violent threats even after being handcuffed. Benichou sustained a lower back injury from the fall. Conservative activist Cam Higby claimed the attacker supported Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, though this has not been independently verified. The incident took place two days before the US midterm elections, amid a contentious Senate race in Michigan.