Fox host Brian Kilmeade apologizes for suggesting lethal action for homeless mentally ill

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade apologized Sunday for saying homeless mentally ill people should face “involuntary lethal injection,” calling his remark “extremely callous.”

Brian Kilmeade, co-host of Fox & Friends, issued an on-air apology Sunday for comments made during a segment last Wednesday suggesting homeless, mentally ill individuals should be executed.

The discussion focused on the Aug. 22 murder of Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, for which Decarlos Brown Jr., a mentally ill homeless man, was arrested.

During the segment, co-host Lawrence Jones discussed public funds for homeless services and suggested those refusing help should be jailed. Kilmeade interjected: “Or involuntary lethal injection, or something. Just kill ‘em.”

On Sunday, Kilmeade said: “I wrongly said they should get lethal injection. I apologize for that extremely callous remark. I am obviously aware that not all mentally ill, homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.”

Christine Quinn, president of Win, a nonprofit serving homeless children, condemned Kilmeade’s comment as “completely devoid of all humanity” and invited him to volunteer at one of the organization’s shelters.

The remark sparked widespread criticism online and came hours before the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, prompting discussions about how rhetoric can influence real-world actions.

Fox News management did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The case in North Carolina highlights ongoing challenges in addressing mental illness and homelessness, particularly in situations intersecting with crime.

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