Backlash over Kilmeade remark on lethal injections for homeless

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade drew widespread condemnation after suggesting involuntary lethal injections for homeless people with mental illness during a Wednesday broadcast of Fox and Friends, a remark he later apologized for on air Sunday. The comment came as cohosts discussed the recent stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a North Carolina train and the broader intersection of homelessness, mental illness and public safety.

The segment focused on the fatal attack by an assailant who, according to local reports and authorities, had prior arrests and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Coanchor Lawrence Jones told viewers that many unhoused people refuse offered services and argued that the response had to be either accepting help or being jailed. Kilmeade then interjected, saying, "Or involuntary lethal injection. Or something. Just kill em." Video of the exchange was shared widely on social media and went viral over the weekend.

Reactions were swift and critical. Advocates, public officials and social media users condemned the remark as dehumanizing and dangerous, warning it could deepen stigma against people experiencing homelessness and mental illness. California Governor Gavin...