Vermont

Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Arrested During F-35 Protest in Vermont

Ben Cohen and fellow demonstrators were blasting jet noise from a mobile public address system

The co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream knew he was disturbing the peace with a noisy demonstration against fighter jets.

Ben Cohen told the Burlington Free Press that's exactly the point.

Cohen was one of three activists arrested for disorderly conduct Saturday after blasting jet noise from a mobile public address system in Burlington, Vermont.

BenCohen3
Jess Aloe/Burlington Free Press

They were taken into custody without incident and released after being processed at the police department, according to the Burdlington Police Department. They are scheduled to appear in court March 29th to answer the charge of Disorderly Conduct by Noice.

BenCohen1
Jess Aloe/Burlington Free Press

Cohen said the goal was to simulate what it might be like for residents living under the flight path of Vermont National Guard F-35 fighters. He tweeted that if he violated the city noise ordinance then the fighter jets will, too.

BenCohen2
Jess Aloe/Burlington Free Press

Burlington voters will weigh in Tuesday on whether city officials should oppose F-35s at the Burlington International Airport. Critics say the F-35s are noisier than fighters currently used by the Vermont National Guard.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us