Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested during a Senate hearing protest on May 14, 2025, while advocating for Gaza. The demonstration disrupted testimony by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with Cohen and six others detained by Capitol Police. Video showed Cohen zip-tied, telling reporters, *”Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs”* and demanding an end to the blockade. Charged with misdemeanor obstruction, he sparked polarized reactions online—some criticizing his disruption, others questioning the police response.
Known for his activism, Cohen has long used his platform to champion social justice, though Unilever distanced the company from his personal protests. The arrest reignited debates over U.S. policy in Gaza and the role of civil disobedience in political discourse. As legal proceedings continue, the incident underscores tensions between advocacy and institutional protocols.
