Fox News host Brian Kilmeade issued an apology Sunday after facing widespread criticism for suggesting that mentally ill homeless people should be executed if they refuse treatment. The controversial remarks were made during a Wednesday broadcast of “Fox and Friends” while discussing a violent incident that occurred in August in Charlotte, North Carolina.
During the discussion about an attack in which an unhoused and mentally ill man stabbed and killed a Ukrainian refugee on a train, Kilmeade’s co-host Lawrence Jones suggested that mentally ill homeless people who refuse treatment should be locked up. Kilmeade responded by stating, “Or involuntary lethal injection, or something. Just kill ’em.”
The victim of the August incident was identified as Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee. According to The Associated Press, the man arrested in the killing had been previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, and his mother had sought his involuntary psychiatric commitment earlier this year after he became violent at home.
The reaction from Kilmeade’s colleagues during the broadcast drew additional scrutiny. Co-host Ainsley Earhardt appeared to take his proposal seriously, asking why the situation had been allowed to reach such a point. Kilmeade responded by indicating that voters were not selecting the right political candidates. Neither co-host challenged or expressed concern about his suggestion to execute mentally ill individuals.
After a video clip of the exchange circulated widely over the weekend, Kilmeade faced criticism from various political figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and multiple left-leaning media personalities. The backlash prompted Kilmeade to address his comments publicly.
In his Sunday apology, Kilmeade acknowledged that the Wednesday discussion had focused on the murder of Zarutska and methods to prevent similar attacks by homeless, mentally ill individuals, including institutionalization or incarceration. He admitted that during the conversation, he wrongly suggested lethal injections as a solution.
Kilmeade characterized his remarks as extremely callous and expressed awareness that not all mentally ill, homeless people behave like the perpetrator in the North Carolina incident. He stated that many homeless individuals deserve empathy and compassion.
Critics have argued that Kilmeade’s apology was insufficient, noting that his language appeared to leave room for the possibility that some individuals might warrant execution due to their illness and circumstances. The qualified nature of his statement, which specified that “not all” mentally ill homeless people deserve protection and that only “many” deserve empathy, has drawn particular scrutiny.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about attitudes toward homeless and mentally ill populations. Mental health advocates and policy experts have emphasized the need for systematic approaches to address mental health crises that prioritize treatment and support rather than punitive measures.
The Charlotte case highlighted ongoing challenges in providing adequate mental health services and protecting both vulnerable individuals and the public. The suspect’s history of mental illness and previous violent behavior at home had prompted his mother to seek involuntary commitment, illustrating the complex intersection of mental health treatment, family intervention, and public safety.
Kilmeade’s comments reflect broader political tensions surrounding homelessness and mental health policy in major American cities. The discussion occurred within the context of ongoing debates about resource allocation, treatment accessibility, and the balance between individual rights and public safety concerns.
The Fox News host has not provided additional clarification beyond his Sunday apology. The network has not issued any official statement regarding Kilmeade’s remarks or announced any disciplinary measures. The incident continues to generate discussion about media responsibility and the treatment of vulnerable populations in political discourse.