By Paul Bean
On Wednesday, Ben and Jerry’s co-founder, Ben Cohen, was forcibly removed from a congressional hearing featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,Secretary of Health and Human Services, for participating in disruptive protesting and shouting.
The incident was captured on C-SPAN and widely circulated on social media, highlighting some the ongoing tensions surrounding Kennedy’s policies.
In an X post yesterday (5/16), Cohen explained why he took part in the protests. “I can’t call myself an American and not put my body on the line,” wrote Cohen. “For me, our government-funded destruction and slaughter of families living in Gaza is an attack on justice, common decency, and what I had thought was the American way. The American way that Superman used to defend, along with Truth and Justice.”
The hearing, part of a series of oversight sessions, was intended to address various aspects of public health policy under Kennedy’s leadership, including criticism of Kennedy’s policies made by members of congress. However, the proceedings were interrupted when several individuals disrupted the hearing, leading to a chaotic scene. Capitol Police were called in to remove the protesters, as seen in the video footage where officers are actively engaging with the individuals (and Cohen) amidst a crowd of onlookers and media.
In handcuffs, Cohen told the media following the disruptive protest: “Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off medicaid in the US.” When asked what he wants to see from Congressmen and Senators he said, “Congress and the Senators need to ease the siege. They need to let food into Gaza. They need to let food in to starving kids.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for controversial views on vaccines and public health, has been a polarizing figure since his appointment. Since his appointment to head of HHS, the agency has seen significant changes, including layoffs and a shift in policy direction that has drawn criticism from various quarters.
The incident has again ignited debates about the balance between free speech and the orderly conduct of governmental proceedings and in government buildings.
In March, transgender activists entered Room 11 at the Vermont State House and disrupted a scheduled educational event hosted by the Vermont Family Alliance to educate Vermonters about the growing detransition phenomenon. Biological males wearing women’s clothing sang and danced from the moment the 1 PM event started, and continued to do so until everyone was told to leave after 1:30 PM. Rather than ask the trans activists to leave, Sgt. at Arms Agatha Kessler informed the crowd. When asked why she didn’t first ask the disrupters to leave, she told VDC that it’s a public room and both groups have the right to be there.
This disruption by Ben Cohen and others at the hearing is yet another example of what some are calling a ‘Heckler’s Veto.’ Following the event in March, VDC published an op-ed by Nicole Perrino addressing this phenomenon: “America is experiencing two disturbing simultaneous trends: the rise of mob censorship to shut down speaking events on college campuses, and an attempt to justify it as merely the exercise of ‘more speech.’”
Critics argue that such disruptions undermine the democratic process, while supporters of the protesters may see it as a necessary form of dissent against policies they oppose.