Fox News host apologizes after proposing “lethal injection” for homeless

A Fox News host has apologized after proposing using a lethal injection for homeless people with mental health issues.

Speaking on Fox & Friends, Brian Kilmeade apologized for comments he made during a September 10 episode of the show in which the hosts were discussing the brutal August 22 murder of Iryna Zarutska.

Why It Matters

Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was stabbed on a train on August 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

DeCarlos Brown Jr., a homeless man aged 34, has been charged with murder and is being held without bond at Mecklenburg County Jail. He is a repeat offender with 14 prior arrests who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The incident sparked a debate about crime and safety in the U.S., as well as the extent to which authorities are succeeding in dealing with criminals.

What To Know

On September 10, Kilmeade had responded to his co-host Lawrence Jones talking about ways to prevent crime among homeless and mentally ill and suggesting they get “locked up in jail.”

Kilmeade said: “Or involuntary lethal injection. Or something. Just kill them.”

His words had triggered a backlash from figures including California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Speaking on Fox & Friends on September 14, Kilmeade backtracked and apologized for his words.

He said: “We were discussing the murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, and how to stop these kinds of attacks by homeless, mentally ill assailants, including institutionalizing or jailing such people so they cannot attack again.

“Now during that discussion, I wrongly said they should get lethal injections. I apologize for that extremely callous remark, I’m obviously aware that not all mentally ill homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina and so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.”

What People Are Saying

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Brown Jr. would “never again see the light of day as a free man.”

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social September 10: “The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a ‘Quick’ (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY,” There can be no other option!!!”

In a statement after the August 22 killing and Brown Jr.’s arrest, Charlotte Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles said: “Tragic incidents like these should force us to look at what we are doing across our community to address root causes. We will never arrest our way out of issues such as homelessness and mental health.”

What Happens Next

The Department of Justice said on Tuesday that Brown Jr. had also been charged with causing death on a mass transportation system. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or execution.

Brown Jr.’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 19.