A University of Michigan student was taken into custody Sunday following a confrontation that was captured on video and has since spread widely online. The incident began when the student approached a man seated behind a table displaying a sign that read, “Is Islam Compatible with the West?”
According to TMZ.com, the student, who has not been publicly identified, called the sign “f***ing stupid” and demanded to see a “f***ing permit.” She then clapped her hands in the man's face, causing him to jerk his head backward, before turning her attention to conservative influencer Lizzy Benichou.
Benichou asked the student whether her attire would be acceptable in Iran. The question prompted the student to shove Benichou to the ground, at which point police intervened and made the arrest. As she was being taken into custody, the student yelled at Benichou, “I should've f***ing killed you when I had the f***ing chance,” according to video obtained by TMZ.com.
Campus police confirmed that the student was arrested, processed, and released. The case will be forwarded to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for review, authorities said. The victim, who is not affiliated with the university, received medical treatment and was later released.
The video shows the student defending her conduct to bystanders who were recording, insisting she never touched the man and describing those around her as “f***ing anti-Muslim people.” The episode has drawn attention to tensions around free expression and campus safety at the University of Michigan, though officials have not announced any additional charges or disciplinary action beyond the prosecutor's review.