Rep. Jasmine Crockett Comments on Karmelo Anthony Murder Conviction, Draws Criticism
Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett made controversial statements on her podcast following Karmelo Anthony's conviction for murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, downplaying the knife used and suggesting she would have acted similarly if attacked. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for fatally stabbing Metcalf during a track meet in Frisco, Texas in April 2025. Crockett's remarks drew criticism for mischaracterizing the incident and the victim's physical stature.
During an episode of her podcast "Clock It with Crockett," Rep. Jasmine Crockett commented on the conviction of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony for the first-degree murder of 17-year-old track athlete Austin Metcalf. Crockett downplayed the five-inch semi-serrated pocket knife used in the killing, suggesting it was too small to be considered a deadly weapon and comparing it to a Swiss Army knife. She also made statements implying she would have stabbed someone in a similar situation, while describing a scenario involving a 300-pound man beating her—details that contradicted trial testimony showing Metcalf was 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, and that Anthony initiated the confrontation. Crockett framed the case through a racial lens, arguing that Black women face daily fear and agony that the white Metcalf family would not understand. She also called for more Black jurors to serve on juries. Trial evidence, including testimony from Black teen witnesses, indicated Anthony provoked the situation and that deadly force was not justified.
How coverage differed
Both right-leaning outlets frame Crockett's statements as factually inaccurate and inflammatory. The Daily Wire emphasizes her racial framing and jury commentary, while the New York Post focuses more heavily on her mischaracterization of physical details and suggests she implied justification for the stabbing. The Post's headline uses more charged language ('suggesting she also would have stabbed'), whereas the Daily Wire presents her comments more directly.
What different sources said
- Daily WireRight
Jasmine Crockett Downplays White Teen’s Murder After Karmelo Anthony Convicted
- New York PostRight
Jasmine Crockett suggests she also would have stabbed Austin Metcalf in stunning defense of Karmelo Anthony
- BreitbartFar Right
Jasmine Crockett Claims Knife That Killed Austin Metcalf Was Not a ‘Deadly Weapon,’ Says Black Women Experience More ‘Agony’ Than His Family
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