Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Arrested During Lockheed Martin Protest

Dozens of activists were taken into custody at the weapons manufacturer's facility in Pennsylvania.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:19am

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting a Lockheed Martin weapons system in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of dark colors, conveying a sense of disruption and unrest.The arrest of Ben Cohen and other activists during a protest at Lockheed Martin's facility underscores the ongoing tensions around the company's role in the global arms trade.King of Prussia Today

Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, was among dozens of activists arrested during a Good Friday protest outside the Lockheed Martin facility in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The demonstration, organized by the faith-based group Red Letter Christians, called attention to suffering in the Middle East and urged the use of resources to support others rather than contribute to harm.

Why it matters

The protest at Lockheed Martin, the world's largest weapons manufacturer, highlights ongoing tensions around the company's role in the global arms trade and its ties to the Israeli government. As a major supplier of military equipment, Lockheed Martin has faced criticism from activists concerned about the impact of its products on civilian populations.

The details

About 200 people gathered at the Lockheed Martin facility for the Good Friday protest, which organizers described as a vigil of prayer and 'nonviolent direct action.' The demonstrators, including Ben Cohen, called attention to suffering in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, and encouraged the use of resources to support others rather than contribute to harm.

  • The protest took place on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Ben Cohen

The co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, who was arrested during the protest at the Lockheed Martin facility.

Red Letter Christians

A faith-based group that organized the protest at the Lockheed Martin facility in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Lockheed Martin

The world's largest weapons manufacturer, whose facility in King of Prussia was the site of the protest.

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What they’re saying

“What would Jesus do in these times? Would he let his neighbors starve? Would he take money from his own people who are struggling to put gas in their car?”

— Ben Cohen, Co-founder, Ben & Jerry's

What’s next

The arrests made during the protest are expected to lead to further legal proceedings and potential charges against the demonstrators.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the ongoing debate around the role of the global arms trade and the responsibility of companies like Lockheed Martin in contributing to conflict and suffering, particularly in the Middle East. The arrest of a prominent business leader like Ben Cohen underscores the strength of the activists' convictions and their willingness to take direct action to draw attention to these issues.