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Fox News host Brian Kilmeade has issued a public apology after suggesting that mentally ill homeless people should be executed, per NBC News.
During Sunday's broadcast of Fox & Friends, Kilmeade apologized for his "callous" remark about killing mentally ill homeless people.
“I wrongly said they should get lethal injection,” Kilmeade said Sunday. “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, and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.”
Kilmeade initially made the controversial comment on Wednesday (September 10) during a segment about the August 22 stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., a homeless man with a history of mental illness, was arrested and charged with murder.
While discussing public spending on homelessness, Kilmeade's colleague Lawrence Jones suggested jailing individuals who refuse services.
“Or involuntary lethal injection, or something. Just kill ’em,” Kilmeade interjected.
Co-host Ainsley Earhardt appeared to attempt to steer the conversation, asking, “Why did it have to get to this point?”
“We’re not voting for the right people," Kilmeade responded.
Video of Kilmeade's comment sparked widespread backlash online.
Christine Quinn, president and CEO of Win, a major New York City provider of shelter and services for homeless families, called the comment “completely devoid of all humanity” and invited Kilmeade to volunteer in one of the organization’s shelters.
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