Introduction to the Controversy

“Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade apologized Sunday for remarks he made last week that suggested using involuntary lethal injections to get mentally ill homeless people off the streets.

Background to the Comments

Kilmeade’s comments came during a discussion last Wednesday on “Fox & Friends” about the Aug. 22 stabbing death of a 23-year Ukranian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, on a light rail train in Charlotte, N.C. Zarutska’s suspected killer, DeCarlos Brown Jr., is a homeless man with a long criminal record and is a paranoid schizophrenic, according to his family.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

The attack on Zarutska was captured on security cameras and circulated widely online. The incident has sparked a national debate on public safety policy and criminal sentencing. The topic led “Fox & Friends” co-host Laurence Jones to say that billions of dollars have been spent on programs to care for the homeless and mentally ill but many of those afflicted resist help.

Reaction from Co-hosts

“A lot of them don’t want to take the programs,” Jones said. “A lot of them don’t want to get the help that is necessary. You can’t give them the choice. Either you take the resources that we’re going to give you, or you decide that you’ve got to be locked up in jail.” Kilmeade added: “Or involuntary lethal injection or something — just kill ‘em.”

Apology and Backlash

A clip of Kilmeade’s remarks started to circulate widely on X on Saturday. “I apologize for that extremely callous remark,” Kilmeade said during Sunday’s edition of the morning program. “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.” Many online commentators pointed out that Kilmeade’s comments evoked the extermination of mentally ill and disabled people that was authorized by Adolf Hitler in 1939. The German chancellor’s euthanasia program killed more than 250,000 people ahead of the Holocaust.

Comparison to Similar Incidents

For now, Kilmeade has avoided the fate of political analyst Matthew Dowd, who lost his contributor role at MSNBC after commenting on the Wednesday shooting death of right wing political activist Charlie Kirk. Dowd told MSNBC anchor Katy Tur that “hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which then lead to hateful actions.” Dowd, once a political strategist for President George W. Bush, described Kirk as a divisive figure “who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups.” The angry reaction on social media was immediate after Dowd’s comments suggested that Kirk’s history of incendiary remarks led to the shooting. Rebecca Kutler, president of MSNBC, issued an apology and cut ties with Dowd. Dowd also apologized in a post on BlueSky. “I in no way intended intended to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack,” he said. The top executives at MSNBC parent Comcast sent a company-wide memo Friday citing Dowd’s firing and told employees “we need to do better.”

Conclusion

The remarks made by Brian Kilmeade and the subsequent apology highlight the sensitivity and complexity of discussing mental health, homelessness, and public safety. It emphasizes the need for thoughtful and compassionate dialogue, especially from public figures, to avoid perpetuating harm or stigma against vulnerable populations.

FAQs

• Q: What was the context of Brian Kilmeade’s controversial remark?
  A: Kilmeade’s comment was made during a discussion about a stabbing death on a light rail train, where the suspect is a homeless man with a history of mental illness.
• Q: How did Kilmeade apologize for his remark?
  A: Kilmeade apologized on Sunday’s edition of “Fox & Friends,” acknowledging his comment was callous and recognizing that many mentally ill and homeless people deserve empathy and compassion.
• Q: What historical event did Kilmeade’s comment evoke?
  A: Kilmeade’s suggestion of involuntary lethal injections evoked the memory of Adolf Hitler’s euthanasia program, which killed more than 250,000 people, mostly those with mental or physical disabilities, ahead of the Holocaust.
• Q: How did Kilmeade’s situation compare to that of Matthew Dowd?
  A: Unlike Matthew Dowd, who lost his role at MSNBC for his comments on a shooting, Kilmeade has not faced immediate professional repercussions for his remark, despite widespread criticism.