ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A University of Michigan student accused of attacking a Jewish conservative activist and threatening to kill her during a campus confrontation is now facing three criminal charges, including a felony.

The November 1 incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, involved 35-year-old activist Liz Benichou and 19-year-old U-M student Temulun Togochog during a conservative group’s event discussing Islam, Iran and then-U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

From Political Debate to Physical Assault

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The confrontation began near a table operated by conservative activists. According to video footage, Togochog argued with participants, allegedly struck commentator Joe Redden in the face with her cellphone and then turned her attention toward Benichou.

After Benichou questioned how the student’s clothing would be received in Iran, Togochog allegedly shoved her to the ground and jumped on her before another student intervened and pulled her away, according to video footage of the incident.

Police arrested Togochog, who continued shouting threats at Benichou, including, “I should have f***ing killed you when I had the f***ing chance.”

Benichou later received medical treatment and described being shaken by the attack. “I was in a state of shock,” she told Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). “I was at the hospital having a panic attack, shaking.”

Felony Charge Filed, but What About Expulsion?

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Togochog was arraigned November 4 on one felony count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer and two misdemeanor assault charges. Togochog stood mute during her arraignment, meaning she did not enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Under Michigan court procedures, the judge entered a not guilty plea on her behalf, allowing the case to proceed, and set a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

Whether she will face university discipline remains unclear. U-M has not publicly confirmed that Togochog has been suspended or expelled, citing federal student privacy laws.

The university, however, condemned the incident. In a press release, they said, “Physical violence has no place on our campus. The university is firmly committed to protecting freedom of speech and expression, and actions that threaten the safety of others or interfere with their right to express their views will not be tolerated. Violations of law or university policy are taken seriously and addressed through appropriate processes, with meaningful consequences when violations are established.”

Victim Wants Accountability, Not Revenge

Despite the attack, Benichou says she doesn’t want to ruin the student’s future, but believes consequences are necessary. “She’s young. She’s dumb. She deserves an opportunity to become a better person,” Benichou told JNS. “The only way to do that is through accountability.”

For now, Togochog faces criminal proceedings, while questions remain about what disciplinary action, if any, the university will take.

Togochog’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at 9 a.m., for a probable cause conference. During the hearing, prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to discuss the charges, evidence and potential next steps in the case, including whether it will proceed to a preliminary examination.