Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested Wednesday on Capitol Hill after disrupting a Senate hearing featuring Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
According to Fox News, Cohen, along with six other individuals, was taken into custody by Capitol Police following chants directed at Kennedy during his opening remarks before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
The protest erupted inside the hearing room as Kennedy began delivering his prepared statement to the committee. Cohen and several others shouted accusations of hateful rhetoric, repeatedly chanting an inflammatory message that prompted a quick intervention from Capitol Police stationed nearby.
Footage published by *The Daily Caller* shows authorities forcibly removing Cohen while other demonstrators continued shouting. The hearing was temporarily halted as officers cleared the room, and Capitol Police later confirmed that seven people, including Cohen, were arrested. Committee Chair Senator Bill Cassidy paused the proceedings and ordered all disruptive attendees to be removed, reminding the audience that such interruptions would not be tolerated.
Protest Targets Kennedy At Key Public Hearing
The demonstration targeted Kennedy during a high-profile appearance before the Senate panel in his capacity as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Protesters yelled the phrase “RFK kills people with hate,” a chant that echoed across the room before police intervened. Cassidy later remarked that the event felt like a moment made for cameras covering public hearings.
Cohen was charged specifically with obstruction during the incident. Other demonstrators face more serious accusations, including resisting arrest and assaulting a law enforcement officer. Officials have not disclosed a full breakdown of how many participants are facing the more severe charges.
Though Kennedy resumed speaking following the ejection of protesters, the disruption cast a notable shadow over what had been planned as a policy-focused discussion. Cassidy, attempting to steer the proceedings back to order, made light of the situation afterward, referring to it as a made-for-television moment seemingly crafted for political theater.
Cohen’s History Of Civil Disobedience In D.C.
This arrest is not Cohen’s first time facing legal consequences for activism in Washington. In 2023, the entrepreneur and activist was arrested during a demonstration outside the Department of Homeland Security. That protest involved demands for the release of Julian Assange and included blocking the entrance to the Department of Justice.
Founding Ben & Jerry’s in 1978, Cohen and his business partner Jerry Greenfield built the company on a platform combining product quality with progressive values. Since its initial days, the brand has engaged in activism related to social justice, environmental sustainability, and peace advocacy.
Even after Ben & Jerry’s was acquired by multinational food company Unilever in 2000, the corporation maintained an independent board to oversee the company’s social mission. The board continues to act independently from Unilever’s other holdings, ensuring activist campaigns remain central to the brand’s operations.
Brand Advocacy Draws Praise And Criticism
The ice cream company’s involvement in political and social causes has occasionally ignited controversy. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s made headlines worldwide when it announced plans to cease sales of its products in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The decision was explained by the company as an ethical stand against what it termed the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
While progressive advocates praised the company’s stance, many conservative politicians and commentators sharply criticized the move. The decision sparked broader debate globally regarding corporate involvement in international political issues.
Over the years, Cohen has become increasingly active in direct-action campaigns, often appearing at protests related to human rights, government policy, and free speech. His participation is typically motivated by issues he has championed through his business and philanthropic work.
Ongoing Tensions Between Protest And Procedure
The events on Capitol Hill highlight the continued tension between protest movements and formal government proceedings. Senate rules demand quiet order during hearings, yet individuals like Cohen continue to use high-visibility events to voice dissent. The response by Capitol Police underscores how seriously such disruptions are treated in the congressional environment.
Officials have not announced any additional charges or upcoming court dates related to the arrests. It also remains unclear whether further action will be taken against the individuals beyond the initial charges filed. Capitol Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing where the use of force may have taken place during the removal of individuals.
For now, what remains certain is that Cohen’s actions once more drew national attention to both his causes and the ongoing challenges of balancing protest rights with legislation and order within democratic institutions.
