Fox News Host suggests ‘Involuntary Lethal Injection‘ for People Experiencing Homelessness and mental Illness
A Fox News host suggested “involuntary lethal injection” as a solution for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness who commit crimes, sparking outrage and condemnation this weekend.Brian Kilmeade, co-host of Fox & friends, made the remark during a Wednesday segment discussing a recent tragedy involving a suspect wiht a criminal record and diagnosed mental illness. The clip resurfaced Saturday, drawing a sharp rebuke from California Governor Gavin Newsom and igniting a national conversation about the rhetoric surrounding mental health, homelessness, and public safety.
The exchange occurred as Kilmeade and fellow host Todd Jones debated the adequacy of existing mental health resources and programs. jones argued that billions have been spent with limited success, claiming many individuals “don’t want to take the programs” offered. Kilmeade then interjected, stating, “Or uh, involuntary lethal injection. Or something. Just kill ’em.” His co-hosts quickly moved past the comment, continuing their discussion without directly addressing the severity of Kilmeade’s suggestion.
The segment centered on a case where co-hosts posited the suspect should have been removed from the streets prior to the incident, citing an extensive criminal record and mental health diagnosis.Jones asserted the issue wasn’t financial, despite meaningful spending on mental health and homelessness initiatives, and advocated for mandatory participation in programs or incarceration. ”You can’t give ’em a choice,” he said. “Either you take the resources that we’re going to give you, or you decide that you gotta be locked up in jail. That’s the way it has to be now.”
Newsom responded to the viral clip on Saturday, posting on X (formerly Twitter) a quote from Proverbs 21:13: “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” Media Matters for America first reported on the segment,highlighting the disturbing nature of Kilmeade’s statement.
The incident underscores a growing national debate about how to address the complex challenges of mental illness, homelessness, and rising crime rates. Advocates for vulnerable populations warn that such rhetoric dehumanizes individuals and promotes risky, ineffective solutions. The discussion also raises concerns about the role of media in shaping public perception and perhaps inciting violence against marginalized communities.
