A shocking comment by Fox News host Brian Kilmeade has ignited widespread backlash after he suggested that people struggling with homelessness and mental health issues should be executed.
The remark came during a live segment of Fox & Friends on Wednesday, leaving viewers and critics stunned.
Comments Made During Discussion of Charlotte Murder
The discussion was prompted by the tragic murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on a bus in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22.
While co-host Lawrence Jones initially proposed that people refusing programs for mental health or homelessness should be “locked up,” Kilmeade escalated the conversation dramatically.
“Or involuntary lethal or something, just kill them,” he said, with co-hosts appearing largely unfazed.
Ainsley Earhardt responded vaguely, asking, “Yeah, Brian, why did it have to get to this point?” without condemning the comment.
Political Commentary and Partisan Criticism
Kilmeade then linked homelessness to political leadership, claiming cities with large homeless populations were voting for the wrong leaders.
He urged North Carolinians to “wake up” and referenced other cities, criticizing Democratic officials and encouraging support for Republican candidates.
“You can’t keep putting these people in power. They woke up in Los Angeles, they got a stronger D.A. They got rid of Chesa Boudin in San Francisco.
Hopefully, they will get rid of Alvin Bragg in New York,” he said, later calling on voters to support Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 Senate race.
Viral Reaction and Political Condemnation
The clip quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from across the political spectrum.
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded with a Bible quote on X: “Proverbs 21:13: Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”
Virginia Representative Don Beyer was equally critical, stating: “America’s homeless population includes over a million children and tens of thousands of veterans, many of whom served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Nobody deserves to be murdered by the government for mental illness or poverty. These Fox hosts are calling for mass murder—it’s sick.”
Public Outrage and Personal Stories
The response from viewers has been emotional and intense. One user wrote, “I’m at a loss for words.
So many vets live on our streets and the answer is to euthanize them? My Dad is a Vietnam Vet and many of his friends still deal with PTSD. Hearing this truly breaks my heart.”
Sarah Longwell, founder of conservative site The Bulwark, also expressed shock, posting, “My god. What is happening?”
Fox News Yet to Comment
Daily Mail has reached out to Fox News for comment regarding Kilmeade’s remarks.
The controversy has only intensified as more people share the clip and express outrage online, highlighting the delicate intersection of media, politics, and public discourse around vulnerable populations.