Chaos in the Capitol: Ben Cohen Removed in Handcuffs After Shouting “Congress Kills Kids in Gaza”
Ben Cohen, the far-left co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream empire, was arrested and forcibly removed from a Senate hearing Wednesday after launching into a disruptive pro-Gaza protest during testimony from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The incident unfolded during a critical session on Medicaid policy, chaired by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and quickly spiraled into chaos as Cohen and six other activists shouted over the proceedings, linking U.S. defense aid to Israel with cuts to Medicaid in the United States.
From Ice Cream to Insurrectionist Disruption
Cohen, who has a long history of radical activism, shouted bizarre accusations from the gallery, blaming Congress for “killing poor kids in Gaza” and falsely claiming U.S. Medicaid cuts are being used to fund bombs for Israel.
“Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US,” Cohen screamed as Capitol Police dragged him out in handcuffs.
Another protester hurled the incendiary accusation: “RFK kills people with AIDS!”, prompting immediate security intervention.
Senator Cassidy paused the hearing and issued a stern warning:
“Members of the audience are reminded disruptions will not be permitted while the committee conducts its business. Capitol Police are asked to remove the individuals from the hearing room.”
Cohen Doubles Down on X (Twitter)
Despite being arrested and briefly detained, Cohen remained defiant. He took to X to repeat his message:
“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.”
His post included a video of him being removed, attempting to portray himself as a victim of censorship.
Radical Rhetoric Overshadows Serious Hearing
The demonstration occurred during Secretary RFK Jr.’s testimony, in which he addressed budget cuts, healthcare reform, and new HHS priorities under President Trump’s administration. The moment was supposed to highlight major cost-saving measures and Medicare reforms, but Cohen’s political stunt hijacked the spotlight.
A Pattern of Far-Left Extremism
Ben Cohen and his ice cream brand have long drawn criticism for radical leftist politics, from anti-Israel propaganda to anti-police rhetoric. The company has previously made headlines for calling to “defund the police,” boycotting Israel, and pushing climate extremism.
Now, Cohen’s actions have crossed a new line — turning a Senate hearing into a circus and jeopardizing the dignity of public discourse.
Final Thoughts
Ben Cohen’s arrest isn’t about free speech — it’s about weaponized disruption, hijacking policy hearings to push extremist narratives. While he claims to stand for the oppressed, his tantrum only served to distract from real solutions and meaningful debate.
Congress didn’t freeze — it cleaned house. And for once, Capitol Police didn’t hesitate.
