Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) delivered sharp criticism of fellow Texas lawmaker Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) during a Friday appearance on Fox News Channel’s America Reports, accusing her of contributing to racial division following her reaction to the Karmelo Anthony murder trial verdict.

Gill described the situation in emotional terms, arguing that public responses surrounding the case had shifted attention away from the victim and his family.

“I mean, this is absolutely despicable,” Gill said, describing a scenario in which a family dealing with tragedy instead faces hostility and public backlash.

Gill also criticized what he characterized as messaging from public figures and specifically singled out Crockett, calling her a “race-baiting thug” and arguing that sympathy should not be determined by race.

According to Gill, Crockett had recently suggested that Americans should feel sympathy for Karmelo Anthony because he is Black, and he argued that rhetoric centered on racial identity contributes to broader division.

Gill framed his criticism as part of a larger concern about political leaders influencing public discourse during emotionally charged moments. In politics, disagreements are common—but when reactions become the headline, the original tragedy can quickly get pushed to the background.

The exchange highlights continuing tensions over how public officials discuss high-profile criminal cases and the role political rhetoric plays in shaping public reaction.