Who Is Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen is best known as one of the co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s, a popular ice cream brand started in Vermont in 1978. Along with Jerry Greenfield, he turned the company into a household name. But Cohen is also known for his political activism. Over the years, he has supported many progressive causes and has often spoken out against U.S. government policies.
What Happened at the Senate Hearing?
On Wednesday, Ben Cohen was arrested during a U.S. Senate hearing involving Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The hearing was held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Cohen and several others interrupted the hearing by shouting, “RFK kills people with hate.” They repeated this chant several times during Kennedy’s opening statement. The protest caused the hearing to stop temporarily.
Why Was Ben Cohen Arrested?
Capitol Police arrested seven people, including Ben Cohen. According to police, Cohen was charged with obstruction. Others were charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.
Video footage shows Capitol Police pulling Cohen out of the hearing room. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was leading the session, asked police to remove all individuals causing disruptions.
This is not the first time Ben Cohen has been arrested while protesting in Washington, D.C.
Ben Cohen’s History of Activism
Cohen has a long history of civil disobedience. In 2023, he was arrested outside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At that time, he was protesting the U.S. government’s treatment of Julian Assange, who is currently jailed and facing extradition. Cohen and other protesters blocked the entrance to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and were arrested for doing so.
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Why Does Ben Cohen Protest?
Cohen believes in using his voice and platform to support causes he cares about. Some of his key issues include:
- Free speech
- Government accountability
- Corporate power
- Justice reform
His protests often target powerful institutions or public figures he believes are responsible for injustice. That includes U.S. politicians, federal agencies, and corporations.
Ben & Jerry’s Political Stance
Ben & Jerry’s is not just an ice cream brand. Since the beginning, it has supported progressive causes. Even after it was sold to Unilever in 2000, the company has kept its independent board. That board continues to make statements on major political issues.
Here are some examples:
- In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s stopped selling ice cream in Israeli-occupied territories, calling it an ethical decision.
- The company often issues public statements on climate change, racial justice, and immigration.
Many conservatives, especially in the Republican Party, have criticized Ben & Jerry’s and Ben Cohen for their political views. They see the company as too left-leaning and outspoken.
What Was Said During the Protest?
During the hearing, as RFK Jr. gave his opening remarks, protesters yelled out:
“RFK kills people with hate!”
The shouting grew louder as more people joined in. Capitol Police eventually removed all protesters. The event was caught on video and shared widely online.
Senator Cassidy paused the hearing and reminded everyone that disruptions are not allowed. After the room settled, he joked that the moment was fit for C-SPAN.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The protest drew attention from national media outlets, including Fox News, which criticized Cohen’s actions. The footage of his removal was shared on social media and triggered debate about free speech, protest rights, and political discourse in the U.S.
Some people praised Cohen for standing up for his beliefs. tapout Others said the protest was disrespectful and disruptive.
Summary
- Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested on Capitol Hill.
- He disrupted a Senate hearing involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Protesters chanted, “RFK kills people with hate.”
- Cohen was charged with obstruction; others faced more serious charges.
- He has been arrested before for peaceful protests, including support for Julian Assange.
- Cohen and his company, Ben & Jerry’s, continue to be outspoken on political issues.
