MSNBC Fires Matthew Dowd Over Controversial Charlie Kirk Comments

September 11, 2025 - MSNBC has parted ways with political analyst Matthew Dowd following a wave of backlash over his on-air remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a public event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Dowd's over the top comments during the network's live coverage of Kirk's shooting seemed to indicate the view that Kirk's "divisive" words justified him being shot.

The Incident

During live coverage of the shooting, anchor Katy Tur asked Dowd to comment on the broader environment surrounding political violence.

"We don't know any of the full details of this yet," said Dowd. "We don't know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration."

Then Dowd slammed Kirk, calling him, ""One of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups."

Dowd then went further and suggested that the slaying was a justified reaction to Kirk's words.

""I always go back to: hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that's the environment we're in. You can't stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have, and then saying these awful words, and not expect awful actions to take place. And that's the unfortunate environment we're in."

The remarks were met with immediate criticism across social media and political circles, with many accusing Dowd of insensitivity and premature judgment.

His superiors at MSNBC were horrified: either by the callous remarks themselves or the near universal condemnation that they as a network was receiving due to Dowd's hateful comments.

MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler issued a formal apology on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

"Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise." Shortly after, the network confirmed that Dowd had been terminated.

Dowd's Apology

Even Dowd apparently realized that he had made a gargantuan mistake so took to BlueSky to express his regret:

"My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind."

The Broader Context

Charlie Kirk, 31, was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice. He was shot during a Q&A session on campus, prompting a federal investigation. Authorities have confirmed that two individuals were questioned, with one charged with obstruction, though neither has been tied directly to the shooting.

Public Reaction

The incident has reignited debates around media responsibility, political rhetoric, and the boundaries of commentary during breaking news. While some defended Dowd's intent to contextualize the environment of political violence, others argued that his timing and tone were deeply inappropriate.

(A.I. played a role in producing this content.)