Michigan student hits conservative influencer with phone during campus debate
Police in Ann Arbor arrested a student who struck Joe Redden and pushed Liz Benichou during a booth event.
By Luka Evans ·
A student at the University of Michigan struck a conservative influencer in the face with a cell phone during a campus event. The incident occurred in Ann Arbor and resulted in the student's arrest.
The victim, Joe Redden, was part of a group setting up booths to engage with students. Liz Benichou, a fellow influencer, was also present. The student reportedly disagreed with a conversation about Islam and became physical.
Video of the scene shows the student hitting Redden and pushing Benichou to the ground. Benichou told FOX 2 that the group usually seeks calm dialogue. She noted that most interactions are peaceful and that students often want to talk.
"We get people that tend to be a little bit aggressive and angry, but not this violent again," Benichou said. She compared the incident to the shooting of Charlie Kirk, calling it extreme violence compared to their typical approach.
University of Michigan police confirmed the student was arrested and processed. She was later released. The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office will decide whether to file charges. The student resisted when officers tried to take her into custody.
Benichou said she had a lovely interaction with other college students during the event. She emphasized that people should feel safe on college campuses. The influencer group continues to visit campuses to ask questions.
