Following a statement that mentally ill and unhoused people living in America should be killed, Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade has issued an apology.
The apology has been met with criticism; however, many individuals have responded by saying it is not sufficient and urge the network to take action against the television personality.
The Killing of Iryna Zarutska
Brian and his co-hosts were discussing the brutal killing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was murdered while on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Decarlos Brown Jr., who has been accused of stabbing her and killing her instantly, is a homeless person with severe mental issues. It has been confirmed that Brown was living at the Statesville Avenue Shelter at the time. He has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Brian Kilmeade’s Controversial Call
In a discussion on Fox & Friends, co-host Lawrence Jones commented that homeless people are often offered help programs to transition off the streets, and some decline, preferring to remain unhoused.
Jones suggested it would be best to require these individuals to go to jail if they refuse support from either local organizations or the government. He claimed, “a lot of [the homeless and unhoused] don’t want to take the programs or get the help that is necessary.” He further stated, “you can’t give them a choice. Either you take the resources that we’re gonna give you, or you’re going to be locked up in jail.”
Kilmeade expressed frustration regarding the presence of homeless people. During the conversation, Kilmeade stated that instead of incarceration, individuals should be given a “lethal injection,” proposing that the government should “just kill them.” He elaborated with: “Or involuntary lethal injection, or something. Just kill ‘em.”
Co-host Ainsley Earhardt asked, “Why did it have to get to this point?”, to which Kilmeade replied, “I will say this, we’re not voting for the right people.” These comments led to controversy and discussion regarding Fox, resulting in criticism and sparking a public debate.
Brian Kilmeade’s Full Apology
In response to public reaction, the commentator later issued an apology. During a broadcast, he read a prepared statement: “I want to take a moment to address my comments from last week regarding the horrific murder in North Carolina. In a heated discussion, I wrongly suggested that mentally ill and homeless people who refuse help should be given a lethal injection. I was wrong to say what I said, and I apologize for that extremely callous remark. I am obviously aware that not all mentally ill, homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina. I know that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion, not a lethal injection. I sincerely regret my choice of words and apologize to anyone I may have offended.”
Advocates Condemn Remarks
In a statement to NBC, Christine Quinn, president and CEO of Win, a provider of shelter and services for homeless children in New York City, said that Kilmeade’s remark was “completely devoid of all humanity.” She invited Kilmeade to volunteer in one of the organization’s shelters to become more informed on the matter.
The Double Standard Debate
This situation has prompted discussion of a perceived double standard. As some teachers, politicians, and social media influencers have faced significant scrutiny for joking about or referencing the assassination of Charlie Kirk, there is debate about why Fox News has allowed Brian Kilmeade to remain in his post following his non-passionate apology. The conversation continued after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, when MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd was immediately let go after comments about “hateful rhetoric leads to hateful action.”
Kilmeade is hoping to put all of this behind.
