WASHINGTON — Ben & Jerry's co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were arrested Monday during protests at the U.S. Capitol, The Associated Press reports.
Cohen and Greenfield have been participating in the Democracy Awakening protests, which target the "unregulated cash flowing into campaigns and elections" and "the wave of attacks in many states on citizens' right to vote," according to the ice cream chain's website. Capitol police said about 300 were arrested Monday for "unlawful demonstration activities," processed at the scene, then released, according to CNN.
The company explained the co-founders' actions in a post titled "Why Ben and Jerry Just Got Arrested."
"Sometimes, when something really matters, you have to put your body on the line," the post reads. "You have to take a stand."
Our co-founders got arrested today on the US Capitol steps. Here's why -> https://t.co/aQgYI2KbjM #DemocracyAwakens pic.twitter.com/7NrkNKu64J
— Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys) April 18, 2016
Our co-founders, board members, & employees participating in direct action on Capitol steps for #DemocracyAwakens pic.twitter.com/n2EKrqJZUA
— Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys) April 18, 2016
Cox Media Group