Fox News host Brian Kilmeade has issued an apology after facing widespread backlash for suggesting that mentally ill homeless people should be killed. The controversial comment, which Kilmeade later admitted was an “extremely callous remark,” quickly went viral and drew condemnation across the political spectrum.
The remark occurred during a “Fox & Friends” segment last Wednesday, while discussing the murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina. The suspect, who reportedly struggled with mental illness and was living in a shelter, prompted a conversation about homelessness and mental health policies.
While co-host Lawrence Jones argued that homeless individuals should be required to accept available resources or face jail, Kilmeade interjected with: “Or involuntary lethal injection or something. Just kill ’em.”
The clip gained traction on Saturday after being shared widely online, amassing more than 20 million views on X (formerly Twitter) by Sunday.
Political figures and advocates condemned the comment. California Gov. Gavin Newsom responded by citing Proverbs: “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”
Meanwhile, Christine Quinn, CEO of WIN (Women in Need), described Kilmeade’s rhetoric as “completely devoid of all humanity” and invited him to volunteer at shelters to witness the realities of homelessness firsthand.
Fox News critics have also pressured the network, known for rarely apologizing, to take disciplinary action. Kilmeade, however, has since acknowledged his words were wrong and attempted to clarify by labeling them a mistake.
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