Ben Cohen, the renowned co-founder of the ice cream giant Ben & Jerry's, found himself in handcuffs on Wednesday, during a Senate committee hearing. The event, which featured Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was interrupted by protests, culminating in Cohen's arrest. The disruption unfolded in the heart of the Capitol, as several individuals brandishing signs voiced their opposition during Kennedy's testimony. Amidst the chaos, one protester accused RFK of contributing to the death toll of people with AIDS.
In the moments that followed, Cohen stood up and accused Congress of having blood on its hands due to the death of children in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), wasted no time in instructing Capitol Police to remove the agitators from the session. Cohen, along with six other protesters advocating for Gaza, was physically escorted out by law enforcement.
The group faced charges of crowding, obstructing, and incommoding — a misdemeanor offense under legislation that outlaws demonstrations within congressional buildings. While the others were also slapped with additional allegations of resisting arrest and assaulting an officer, Cohen was singularly charged with the initial misdemeanor.
Post-removal, Sen. Cassidy quipped about the incident being a spectacle for C-SPAN, before proceeding with the committee's agenda. Social media captured Cohen's removal, showing him restrained and continuing his plea as he was led away by the police. His words echoed a poignant critique of Congress, correlating military spending in Gaza with neglect of domestic healthcare.
Cohen's stance was clear, as he advocated for lifting the blockade on Gaza to allow food and aid to reach children in need. After the event, he was released from custody, and despite requests for comments from Ben & Jerry's representatives, there was silence on the matter Wednesday evening.
This incident was not Cohen's first foray into political activism; Ben & Jerry's has previously taken a public stand against Israeli policies. In 2021, the company halted sales in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, claiming it conflicted with their values. Despite the turmoil, the Senate hearing resumed with Secretary Kennedy completing his testimony as planned.
