Ben Cohen Arrested at Senate Hearing: Shocking Protest Over Gaza Policy Goes Viral
In a jaw-dropping moment that has taken social media by storm, Ben Cohen, co-founder of the iconic Ben & Jerry's, was forcibly removed and arrested during a Senate hearing on May 14, 2025. His fiery protest against U.S. policy in Gaza targeted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing Congress of funding violence. This dramatic clash of activism and authority has sparked heated debates about free speech, foreign policy, and the role of public figures in political dissent. Why is this trending now? Because seeing a beloved ice cream mogul dragged out by Capitol Police while shouting about child casualties is not something you see every day.
Who Is Ben Cohen? A History of Activism
At 73 years old, Ben Cohen is far more than just the brain behind your favorite pint of Chunky Monkey. After selling Ben & Jerry's in 2000, Cohen has dedicated his life to progressive causes. His company made waves in 2024 by halting ice cream sales in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, a bold stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. As reported by Fox News, his recent arrest is just the latest chapter in decades of civil disobedience, from protesting military spending to tackling wealth inequality.
What Happened on May 14, 2025? A Timeline of Chaos
The events unfolded during a Senate HELP Committee hearing where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying. On May 14, 2025, Cohen interrupted the session, shouting accusations about U.S. complicity in Gaza violence. According to Mediaite, his outburst was followed by Capitol Police forcibly removing him and six other protesters. Viral footage captured Cohen yelling 'Congress kills!' as he was dragged out. Later that day, CODEPINK released protest videos, and Cohen's spokesperson issued a statement decrying the plight of children in Gaza, as noted by Anadolu Agency.
Powerful Voices: Shouts and Statements That Echoed
The raw emotion of the protest came through in words that cut deep. One protester screamed,
'RFK kills people with hate!'
, capturing the intensity of the moment. Cohen himself didn’t hold back, declaring,
'Congress pays for bombs that kills kids in Gaza and pays it with cuts to Medicaid'
. Post-arrest, a CODEPINK spokesperson reinforced the message with haunting clarity:
'Israel is literally starving them to death... We will not look away'
. These statements, as reported by The Daily Beast, have fueled online discussions about morality and policy.
Viral Footage: See the Protest Unfold
The visceral moment of Cohen’s removal was captured on video, amplifying its reach. This isn’t just a protest; it’s a polarizing spectacle splitting opinions between activism and disruption. Watch the raw footage from the hearing below, courtesy of C-SPAN:
Why This Matters: A Clash of Values
This isn’t just about an arrest; it’s about Gaza, U.S. foreign policy, and the audacity of a corporate icon risking everything for a cause. Supporters see Cohen as a David standing up to the Goliath of military-industrial interests, while critics call it performative chaos. How far should protest go when children’s lives are at stake? The hearing chairman’s quip about the moment being 'made-for-C-SPAN' only adds to the narrative of political theater versus genuine outrage.
Conclusion
✔️ Ben Cohen’s arrest during a Senate hearing has reignited fierce debates over U.S. policy in Gaza and the limits of protest.
✔️ As videos and statements continue to circulate, this moment serves as a stark reminder of the deep divides over morality, policy, and activism in today’s world.
