Brian Kilmeade sparked outrage after suggesting on Fox & Friends that mentally ill homeless individuals who refuse help should be executed.
Kilmeade later apologized, calling his statement “extremely callous” and clarifying that he was criticizing the lack of systemic solutions and not promoting violence.
The controversy reignited public debate about how society handles homelessness and mental illness.
Fox News host, Brian Kilmeade landed himself at the center of a storm after his troubling comments on homeless people dealing with mental illness. Brian’s remark regarding the tragic murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, stirred controversy. The accused, Decarlos Brown Jr., is a homeless man who has had previous run-ins with the law and a history of untreated mental illness.
He, along with his co-host Ainsley Earhardt, opened a discussion regarding the alleged murderer. They were discussing how to avoid such tragedies and argued that the homeless should either take help from the government or be prepared to be jailed. To this, Brian replied, “Just kill them,” implying that homeless people with mental illness who refuse assistance should be executed. The remarks immediately drew attention for being insensitive, cruel, and completely disconnected from the complexity of homelessness and mental health care.
Later, Brian apologized on 14th September, 2025 on the show Fox & Friends, calling his statement “extremely callous.” He further clarified that he intended to point out the absence of systematic solutions like institutionalization or proper care. He added that he had simply poorly worded the comment, which seemed like promoting lethal action. He emphasized the importance of empathy and finding real solutions for those who are homeless and dealing with mental illness.
The man accused of killing Zarutska, Decarlos Brown Jr., had a long criminal record that included violent crimes, unstable living conditions, and untreated mental health conditions. The tragic story exposes a system that had failed him long before this deadly attack, raising concerns about how homelessness and mental illness are handled by society.
Social media was flooded with responses regarding the incident. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Brian’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of showing empathy toward those in need. Even Christine Quinn, CEO of the non-profit Win, invited Brian to volunteer at a homeless shelter, hoping it would help him gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those who are homeless. She further described his statements as “inhumane.”
Brian Kilmeade is a well-known face on American television. He has co-hosted Fox & Friends since joining Fox News in 1997, along with hosting The Brian Kilmeade Show on radio. He has always sparked controversy with his bold opinions and candid political commentary. This most recent controversy highlights how careless speech can cause serious consequences despite his popularity.
The case goes beyond one poorly chosen phrase and stands as a glaring illustration of how influential media voices have an obligation to speak with care. The discussion has rekindled the urgent national conversation about mental health and homelessness, which are often stigmatized and minimized. Experts are now urging for improved policies, more compassion, and, most importantly, responsible dialogue. [Rh/SY]
Suggested Reading: