• Brian Kilmeade proposed lethal injection for mentally ill homeless individuals during a Fox News segment.
• The comments were made in relation to the murder of Iryna Zarutska by a homeless man with a criminal history.
• Kilmeade later apologized, calling his remarks "extremely callous" and acknowledging the need for empathy towards the homeless.
• The incident has sparked widespread criticism from political figures and advocacy groups.
• Kilmeade emphasized that not all homeless individuals are violent or criminal.

During a recent episode of Fox & Friends, Fox News host Brian Kilmeade suggested that homeless individuals with mental health issues should face what he termed "involuntary lethal injection" as a solution to prevent violence, a comment that has drawn heavy backlash from various communities. This discussion was prompted by the tragic murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, who was killed by Decarlos Brown Jr., a homeless man with a long criminal record, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia, according to Newsweek.

The segment on Fox & Friends aired on September 10, where co-host Lawrence Jones highlighted the issue of public funding aimed at mental health and homelessness, suggesting that those who refuse treatment should be jailed. Kilmeade then infamously interjected, saying, "Or involuntary lethal injection; or something. Just kill 'em," drawing immediate criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and others, according to SFGate.

In response to the backlash, Kilmeade issued an apology on September 14, stating on air that his earlier remarks were "extremely callous" and clarified, "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," according to CBS News.

Critics have described Kilmeade's initial comments as dehumanizing, with advocates arguing that such rhetoric only fosters misunderstanding and stigma against homeless individuals. Christine Quinn, president of WIN, an organization that provides shelter and services for homeless children, condemned Kilmeade's remarks and invited him to volunteer at one of their shelters, as reported by South China Morning Post.

The case of Iryna Zarutska has not only raised issues of public safety but has prompted deeper discussions about the treatment and systemic issues facing the homeless population in the U.S., drawing attention to the mental health crisis that intersects with public safety, according to Reuters.