Ben Cohen, co-founder of the ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested on Wednesday during a Senate hearing featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who leads the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Capitol Police confirmed that Cohen was part of a group of seven individuals arrested after disrupting the proceedings.
Cohen faces charges of obstruction, whereas other protesters are accused of resisting arrest and assaulting police, according to authorities. It’s worth noting that the exact number of serious charges remains unclear.
As the hearing commenced, protesters shouted, “RFK will kill those with hatred!” The chant continued to grow in volume, with more voices joining in, emphasizing their discontent.
Ultimately, several attendees were removed from the venue, prompting Senator Bill Cassidy, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, to pause the hearing.
A video shared on social media by the Daily Caller captured the scene, showing Cohen being escorted out by law enforcement.
“Audience members were reminded that no disruptions are allowed during committee proceedings, and Capitol police were instructed to remove individuals from the room,” Cassidy explained while Cohen was being taken out.
After the situation calmed, Cassidy remarked, “It was quite the moment on C-Span.”
This isn’t Cohen’s first encounter with law enforcement during protests in Washington, D.C. In 2023, he was arrested outside the Department of Homeland Security after blocking the entrance to the Justice Department while advocating for Julian Assange’s release.
Ben & Jerry’s frequently draws criticism and attention from conservative groups who oppose its left-leaning stance and advocacy, particularly in relation to political issues and figures. Since its establishment in 1978, the company has maintained a commitment to progressive causes, even continuing its activism after being acquired by Unilever in 2000.
One notable instance of this activism occurred in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s decided to stop selling ice cream in Israeli-occupied territories.
