Ben & Jerry's co-founder arrested protesting Senate hearing: 'RFK kills people with hate'

Fox News - May 14th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Protesters interrupted a Senate HELP Committee hearing featuring Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with the disruption leading to the arrest of Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's. The protest, sparked by accusations against Kennedy, resulted in seven arrests, including charges of obstruction and more serious offenses like resisting arrest and assaulting an officer. The hearing was paused by Sen. Bill Cassidy as police removed the protesters, highlighting the contentious atmosphere.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of activism by Ben Cohen, who has a history of being arrested during protests in Washington, D.C. Ben & Jerry's, known for its progressive stance, has frequently come under fire from Republicans due to its political activism. The company's history of supporting left-leaning causes is well-documented, including its decision to stop selling products in certain territories due to political reasons, underscoring its commitment to advocacy despite corporate ownership by Unilever.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and engaging account of a protest disruption during a Senate hearing, focusing on the arrest of Ben Cohen. It accurately reports the basic facts, supported by credible sources, but lacks depth in exploring the protest's motivations and perspectives from all parties involved. The narrative is clear and accessible, although it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of viewpoints. While the story has potential to influence public opinion and engage readers, its impact is limited by the absence of detailed context and diverse perspectives. Overall, the article effectively captures a significant event but leaves room for a deeper exploration of the underlying issues.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the disruption of the Senate HELP Committee hearing by protesters, including Ben Cohen's arrest, which aligns with multiple sources. The claim that Cohen was arrested for obstruction is supported, and the protest chant 'RFK kills people with hate' is consistently reported. However, the story lacks specific details on the number of individuals charged with more severe offenses like resisting arrest and assaulting police officers, leaving some factual gaps. The context behind the protest chant also remains unexplored, which could affect the reader's understanding of the protest's motivations.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the disruption and Ben Cohen's involvement, providing limited perspectives. It lacks viewpoints from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or the Senate Committee, which could offer a more balanced narrative. The story also does not explore the reasons behind the protest in depth, potentially skewing the reader's perception. The mention of Ben & Jerry's history of activism provides some context but does not counterbalance the focus on the protest's disruption.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the events. The language is accessible, and the structure is coherent, making it easy to follow. However, the repetition of certain phrases, like the protest chant, could be streamlined for better readability. Overall, the tone remains neutral, aiding comprehension.

7
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as the United States Capitol Police and uses a mix of direct observations and secondary reporting from recognized outlets. However, it lacks direct quotes from involved parties, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or Ben Cohen, which could enhance credibility. The reliance on police statements provides a solid foundation, but more diverse sources could improve the depth of reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides basic details of the event but lacks transparency regarding the motivations behind the protest and the specific charges faced by other protesters. There is limited explanation of the methodology for gathering information, such as how the arrests were confirmed or the context of the chant. The story could benefit from clearer disclosure of how the information was obtained and any potential conflicts of interest.

Sources

  1. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/trump-administration-saudi-arabia-qatar-tariffs-rfk-jr-testifies-14-2025-live-updates/3913237/?os=vbkn42tqhopmkbextc&noamp=mobile
  2. https://www.fox9.com/news/ben-jerrys-co-founder-arrested-protesting-senate-hearing-rfk-kills-people-hate
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/watch-rfk-jr-senate-hearing-disrupted-screaming-protesters-rfk-kills-people-hate
  4. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-854022
  5. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ben-jerrys-co-founder-arrested-protesting-senate-hearing-rfk-kills-people-hate