In a dramatic turn at a Senate committee hearing, Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, was arrested as he protested against U.S. policies in Gaza.
According to Breitbart, the Senate session was interrupted by Cohen and other protestors, leading to a series of arrests on charges ranging from obstruction to assault.
The incident occurred on a Wednesday, impacting a hearing chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cohen, alongside six other individuals, initiated their protest as Kennedy Jr. began his opening speech.
The protestors disrupted the session with chants accusing Kennedy Jr. of promoting policies they claimed resulted in violence and loss of lives. Their vocal interruptions brought the session to a temporary halt. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was presiding at the meeting, called for the Capitol Hill Police to expel the protestors from the room. This action occurred moments after the protest chants echoed in the chamber.
Cohen, famous for his advocacy as well as his ice cream, was escorted out and charged with obstruction. Meanwhile, other protestors faced charges related to resisting arrest and assaulting officers present.
During the intervention, Cohen was vocal about his motivations, criticizing the U.S. for its military involvement in Gaza. He argued that American funds were being utilized in ways that contributed to violence and strife in the region. Ben Cohen exclaimed during his removal, “Congress pays for bombs to kill children in Gaza,” expressing his deep disenchantment with current U.S. foreign policies.
Ben & Jerry’s is no stranger to political activism; the company has previously taken strong stances on various national issues. Under Cohen’s leadership, they have critiqued several policies and administrations.
The brand often incorporates its political views into its products. They have released ice cream flavors like "Kamala Coconut Jubilee" and “Pecan Resist,” signifying their support for progressive causes and figures. This form of activism aligns with Cohen's engagements, making this not just an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of advocacy and political expression.
“RFK kills people with hate!” was among the chants heard during the protest, highlighting the intense emotions and controversial views held by the protestors regarding Kennedy Jr.'s policies.
Senator Cassidy, addressing the incident, remarked that disruptions in such formal settings are intolerable, classifying the event as "a made-for-C-SPAN moment," alluding to its dramatic and public nature.
Following the event, Ben Cohen released a statement, reiterating his reasons for the disruption. He described his actions as a stand for Americans frustrated with what he termed the "slaughter" in Gaza. “I disrupted the hearing to speak on behalf of Americans outraged by what I call a slaughter in Gaza," said Cohen
While Cohen's protest has sparked discussion and controversy, it underscores a significant aspect of American public life where activism intersects with policy discussions. This incident serves as a reminder of the passionate public engagement and its potential to disrupt established protocols.
Such moments, while contentious, are critical in highlighting divergent views on foreign policy, possibly influencing public opinion and policy at a national level. The escalation from protest chants to an arrest at a Senate hearing points to deeper societal divisions and how these conflicts surface in significant political arenas.
This story continues to develop as reactions pour in from various sectors of society, reflecting on the nature of protest, the responses by governmental authorities, and the deeper political narratives intertwined with U.S. foreign policies.