Fox News Host Walks Back Call for Deadly Action Against homeless Individuals
NEW YORK – Brian Kilmeade, a host on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” has apologized for suggesting lethal action against homeless individuals, following widespread criticism of comments made during a segment discussing a recent murder in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident has reignited debate surrounding homelessness,mental health,and public safety in the United States.
The discussion stemmed from the August 22nd stabbing death of 23-year-old Ukrainian artist iryna Zarutska, who fled to the U.S. after the outbreak of war in her home country. The accused perpetrator, who has a history of legal issues and was experiencing homelessness at the time of his arrest, was reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to his mother’s statements to local media.
During Wednesday’s broadcast, fellow “Fox & Friends” host Lawrence Jones proposed that homeless individuals should either accept treatment programs or face jail time. kilmeade then responded with a shocking suggestion: “Or involuntarily get a fatal injection or something like that. Just kill them.”
Kilmeade issued an apology Sunday, stating, “I have to apologize for an extremely careless comment. I am obviously aware that not everyone who is mentally ill and homeless acts as the perpetrator in North Carolina, and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.” Fox News has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of rising homelessness across the U.S. January 2024 figures indicate approximately 771,000 people were experiencing homelessness nationwide. A December 2024 report from U.S. authorities, available here, attributes this crisis to a critical lack of affordable housing, increasing inflation, and stagnant wages for low-income workers.
Further analysis from the association Path Forward (link) highlights the vulnerability of many Americans who lack adequate safety nets to cope with significant medical expenses or job loss. The incident and subsequent fallout underscore the complex challenges surrounding mental health, homelessness, and the search for effective solutions.
