WATCH: Tim Kaine rejects claims Karmelo Anthony verdict was racist

Sen.Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he has a "hard time understanding" claims that the guilty verdict in Karmelo Anthony's murder trial was unfair or racially motivated, distancing himself from some Democrats and activists who have criticized the outcome of the case."I have a hard time understanding why they would say that," Kaine said when asked about claims from some Democrats that Anthony's guilty verdict was unfair or racially charged.The Virginia Democrat’s comments come after protests and online criticism emerged following Tuesday’s verdict.
Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of intentionally stabbing and murdering Austin Metcalf.Kaine's comments stand in contrast with remarks from Rep.Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who has publicly described Anthony as a "scared Black boy" and argued he was not shown enough "mercy" following the verdict.AUSTIN METCALF'S DAD EXPRESSES EMPATHY FOR KARMELO ANTHONY AS KILLER'S PARENTS SAY 'THEY DID A NUMBER ON US'Sen.
Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he has a "hard time understanding" claims that the guilty verdict in Karmelo Anthony's murder trial was racially motivated, remarks that contrast with criticism of the verdict from Rep.Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, and other supporters of Anthony.
(Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Tom Brenner/Getty Images)Fox News Digital asked Kaine his thoughts on Democrats, like Crockett, claiming the trial was unfair because of the belief that the verdict was racially motivated, or that Anthony was not given a fair trial because of his race."I know what they’re saying, but I have a hard time understanding," Kaine reiterated.KARMELO ANTHONY TRIAL BEGINS WITH NO BLACK JURORS IN RACIALLY-CHARGED CASE OVER TRACK MEET STABBINGSen.Tim Kaine, D-Va., speaks to reporters outside the Senate Democrats caucus lunch meeting at the U.S.
Capitol on Nov.6, 2025.
(Bill Clark/Getty Images)Crockett took to her podcast, "Clock it with Crockett," 19 hou...