Ben Cohen, the co-founder of ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested Wednesday on Capitol Hill after disrupting a Senate committee hearing involving Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

According to Fox News, Cohen was one of seven individuals detained by Capitol Police after protesters repeatedly shouted that Kennedy “kills people with hate,” leading to a temporary pause in the hearing.

The incident occurred during Kennedy’s opening remarks before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Protesters began shouting and interrupting the proceedings, prompting Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.., to order their removal from the room.

Ben Cohen, a long-time activist and co-founder of the socially conscious ice cream brand, was arrested for obstruction during a protest that disrupted a congressional hearing where newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy was speaking.

Cassidy called upon Capitol Police to intervene after making a formal announcement, reminding attendees that disruptions would not be tolerated. Other demonstrators were also detained, facing charges such as resisting arrest and assaulting law enforcement, though officials have not confirmed how many face the more serious offenses.

Protest Targets New HHS Secretary Kennedy

The phrase “RFK kills people with hate” was shouted multiple times by protesters from the gallery, cutting off Kennedy during his prepared remarks.

The nature of the protest appeared directed toward Kennedy's ideological stances, which have frequently drawn criticism from progressive activists. The shouted accusations and signs held by attendees suggested strong disapproval of Kennedy’s perceived impact on public health and political discourse.

Following the interruption, Cassidy remarked to the room, “That was a made-for-C-SPAN moment,” referencing the tension and visibility of the incident. Calm was restored shortly after the removal of the protesters, and the hearing proceeded without further incident. Cassidy again emphasized the importance of maintaining order so the committee could carry out its legislative work uninterrupted.

This latest detention marks at least the second time Cohen has been arrested during a protest in Washington, D.C. In 2023, he was taken into custody outside the Department of Homeland Security while demonstrating against the imprisonment of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. He has remained active in numerous political causes for decades despite selling his business interests.

Long History of Advocacy and Arrests

Ben Cohen and his company are no strangers to political activism. Since founding Ben & Jerry's in 1978, Cohen and co-founder Jerry Greenfield have aligned themselves with a variety of progressive causes. Even after their company was acquired by global conglomerate Unilever in 2000, the brand continued to operate under a board that maintained control over its social mission.

Ben & Jerry’s gained attention in 2021 when it announced its decision to halt sales in Israeli settlements, describing these areas as occupied territory. This move sparked a significant backlash from conservative political figures and pro-Israel organizations. The company’s founders, meanwhile, defended the stance as a call for the protection of human rights.

Cohen’s recent protest aligns with his history of vocal opposition to various government policies, particularly those viewed by progressives as harmful or repressive. His participation in Wednesday’s Senate demonstration reflects the increasing willingness of activists to challenge high-profile political figures directly.

Response From Congressional Leadership

The HELP Committee hearing was expected to be a routine introduction of Secretary Kennedy’s vision for the Department of Health and Human Services. However, the protest temporarily overshadowed the hearing’s agenda. Kennedy, known for his controversial statements on health issues before his appointment, has often been a polarizing figure in political discourse.

The Capitol Police responded swiftly once disruptions became continuous and disruptive. Officers escorted all protesters out of the room, continuing to monitor the area throughout the remainder of the hearing. A full report on the protest and any additional charges has yet to be released by authorities.

Despite the interruptions, the committee continued with its scheduled programming after a short delay. No injuries were reported as a result of the protest, and the room was quickly secured following the incident. Cassidy reiterated the importance of civil discourse in legislative spaces and thanked the Capitol Police for their professionalism.

Political Polarization and Public Protests

Ben Cohen’s arrest reignites attention on the growing number of high-profile individuals using direct action to influence policy dialogue. The protest serves as another example of how increasingly public acts of dissent intersect with the work of the federal government. Activists have emphasized that such actions are intended to hold policymakers accountable in real time.

Though Cohen did not speak publicly following his release, his arrest drew attention from both critics and supporters online. Some praised his dedication to activism, while others criticized the method and timing of the protest. Reactions remain sharply divided along ideological lines, reflecting the nation’s broader political discourse.

As Kennedy continues his role within HHS, it remains to be seen how protests like Wednesday’s will impact his tenure. For Cohen, however, the incident marks another chapter in his long record of public protest and advocacy.