During a segment on Fox & Friends, host Brian Kilmeade sparked controversy by suggesting that homeless individuals could be subjected to “involuntary lethal injections” during a discussion about the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. The remarks came amid a conversation about the fatal stabbing of Zarutska on a North Carolina light rail train by a homeless man with schizophrenia and a history of criminal activity.

Co-host Lawrence Jones emphasized the need for systemic solutions to the mental health crisis, stating that resources should be mandatory for those refusing help. Kilmeade interjected with the suggestion of “involuntary lethal injection… or something. Just kill ‘em.” The segment, which aired on September 10, later circulated widely on social media.

California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the comments by citing a biblical verse: “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” The discussion highlighted tensions over approaches to homelessness and mental health care in the United States.