Fox News co-host Brian Kilmeade has ignited a firestorm of controversy following remarks made on September 10, 2025, suggesting "involuntary lethal injection" for mentally ill homeless individuals who refuse help. The comments, which included the phrase "Just kill them," have drawn widespread condemnation and calls for an apology from both the public and within conservative circles. The incident has highlighted a contentious debate over approaches to homelessness and mental health.
During a segment on "Fox & Friends," Kilmeade and his co-hosts discussed the challenges of addressing homelessness and mental illness, particularly in the context of recent crime. Co-host Lawrence Jones suggested that individuals refusing help should be jailed, stating, "Either you take the resources that we’re going to give you, or you decide that you are going to be locked up in jail." Kilmeade then interjected with his extreme proposals, which were met with little objection from his fellow panelists.
The remarks prompted immediate backlash, including a strong rebuke from a prominent conservative social media account, SF Bay Sports Royalty. The account stated, > "What @kilmeade stated today is not a conservative position. It is disgusting and horrific and goes against the US Constitution." The author, who advocates for "forced mental institutionalization for life if needed" after recovery efforts, demanded that "Brian and @FoxNews better come out with a sincere apology and clarification of this stupid offhand comment ASAP."
This incident underscores a broader discussion within conservative policy circles regarding homelessness. Organizations like the Cicero Institute, referenced in the tweet, advocate for policies that include involuntary civil commitment for mentally ill homeless individuals and a shift away from "Housing First" models towards mandatory treatment. The Institute argues that federal "Housing First" policies have failed and that more assertive interventions are needed to address mental illness and addiction as root causes of homelessness.
As of the latest reports, neither Brian Kilmeade nor Fox News has issued an apology or clarification regarding the controversial statements. The absence of a retraction has fueled continued public outrage, with many social media users and advocacy groups calling for Kilmeade's removal from the network, emphasizing the dehumanizing nature of his comments towards vulnerable populations.