Ben & Jerry co-founder arrested for accusing US of funding bombs to ‘kill kids in Gaza’

Ben and Jerry co-founder, Ben Cohen, also a progressive activist and former Rugby player, was forcibly removed and arrested from a US Senate hearing on Wednesday after interrupting proceedings to speak out against US support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. He was reportedly charged with “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding,” a misdemeanor offense.

As Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr presented the department’s budget, Cohen stood and shouted, “Congress pays for bombs to kill children in Gaza!” .

He condemned the prioritisation of military funding over social services, saying the US was simultaneously cutting Medicaid – the health program for low-income Americans – while financing weapons for Israel.

Capitol Police dragged Cohen out in handcuffs, silencing his protest as he called for food access for starving children in Gaza.

Shortly after the incident, Cohen’s X (formerly Twitter) account had posting:

“I told Congress they’re killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they’re paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US. This was the authorities’ response.”

Who is Ben Cohen?

Ben Cohen, 74, is the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, the Vermont-based ice cream company who is also known for its outspoken stance on social and political issues. A lifelong activist, Cohen has been a vocal critic of US militarism, corporate influence in politics, and Israeli policies toward Palestinians. He has used his public profile to advocate for peace, justice, and human rights.