Changes

In 1954, Eisenhower appointed Cobb as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, a highly visible position during the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock. In the fall of 1957, Cobb was in communication with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]], the [[United States Department of Justice]], and the [[White House]] regarding late-breaking developments. With [[United States Attorney General]] [[Herbert Brownell]], Cobb represented in federal court the U.S. government's case against Governor Faubus, who attempted without success to thwart desegregation. Cobb reached the conclusion that Faubus had exaggerated the likelihood that segregationists would engage in violence in a vain bid to block desegregation.<ref name=bio/>

In 1954, Eisenhower appointed Cobb as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, a highly visible position during the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock. In the fall of 1957, Cobb was in communication with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]], the [[United States Department of Justice]], and the [[White House]] regarding late-breaking developments. With [[United States Attorney General]] [[Herbert Brownell]], Cobb represented in federal court the U.S. government's case against Governor Faubus, who attempted without success to thwart desegregation. Cobb reached the conclusion that Faubus had exaggerated the likelihood that segregationists would engage in violence in a vain bid to block desegregation.<ref name=bio/>

Cobb said of militant white supremacists who sought to block integration:<ref>Fine, Benjamin (September 24, 1957). [https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/partners/aol/special/littlerock/092457ds-prexy.html President Threatens to Use U.S. Troops, Orders Rioters in Little Rock to Desist; Mob Compels 9 Negroes to Leave School]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 10, 2021.</ref>

Based on a request by federal judge Ronald N. Davies, Cobb studied the case and met with marshal R. Beal Kidd to discuss the matter.<ref>Fine, Benjamin (September 4, 1957). [https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0904.html Arkansas Troops Bar Negro Pupils; Governor Defiant]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 10, 2021.</ref> He also said of militant white supremacists who sought to block integration:<ref>Fine, Benjamin (September 24, 1957). [https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/partners/aol/special/littlerock/092457ds-prexy.html President Threatens to Use U.S. Troops, Orders Rioters in Little Rock to Desist; Mob Compels 9 Negroes to Leave School]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 10, 2021.</ref>

{{cquote|I will not hesitate to proceed criminally against provocateurs who conspire together and act in concert in an effort to forcibly deny rights secured to our citizens by the Constitution of the United States.

{{cquote|I will not hesitate to proceed criminally against provocateurs who conspire together and act in concert in an effort to forcibly deny rights secured to our citizens by the Constitution of the United States.