Fox News Host Faces Backlash After Controversial Comments on Homeless
A host from Fox News has issued an apology following controversial remarks suggesting the use of lethal injection for homeless individuals suffering from mental health issues. During a discussion on the September 10, 2024, episode of *Fox & Friends*, Brian Kilmeade’s comments came in response to the brutal murder of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, who was fatally stabbed on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22, 2024.
Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene. The alleged assailant, 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., has been charged with murder. Authorities reported that Brown Jr. is a repeat offender with a history of 14 prior arrests and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. This tragic incident has ignited a debate about crime and public safety in the United States, as well as the effectiveness of current approaches to addressing these issues.
In the September 10 episode, Kilmeade responded to co-host Lawrence Jones, who discussed possible strategies to manage crime among the homeless and mentally ill. Kilmeade remarked, “Or involuntary lethal injection. Or something. Just kill them.” His comments drew immediate criticism from various public figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom.
On September 14, Kilmeade took to the airwaves again to clarify his remarks, stating, “We were discussing the murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, and how to stop these kinds of attacks. Now during that discussion, I wrongly said they should get lethal injections. I apologize for that extremely callous remark. I’m obviously aware that not all mentally ill homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina, and so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.”
The incident has prompted varied responses from political figures. Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted that DeCarlos Brown Jr. would “never again see the light of day as a free man.” Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump expressed his opinion on social media, calling for a “quick trial” for Brown Jr. and advocating for the death penalty.
Charlotte’s Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles also weighed in, stating, “Tragic incidents like these should force us to look at what we are doing across our community to address root causes. We will never arrest our way out of issues such as homelessness and mental health.”
As for the legal proceedings, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Brown Jr. has been additionally charged with causing death on a mass transportation system, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or execution. His next court appearance is set for September 19, 2024.
This incident highlights the complex intersection of mental health, homelessness, and public safety, prompting discussions that extend beyond the immediate tragedy to address broader societal issues.
