MSNBC Analyst Matthew Dowd Fired Over 'Disgusting and Disturbing' Comments About Charlie Kirk's Assassination Before Liberal Network Issued 'Pathetic' Apology
Matthew Dowd's comments after the shooting of Charlie Kirk led to his termination.
Sept. 11 2025, Published 10:44 a.m. ET
MSNBC has fired political analyst Matthew Dowd after his on-air comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, RadarOnline.com can report.
Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon just minutes into a heavily attended rally in Utah.
Matthew Dowd's Comments
Dowd was a longtime analyst on the liberal network.
During the cable news network's live coverage of the shooting, MSNBC correspondent Katy Tur asked Dowd a question about "the environment in which a shooting like this happens."
Dowd replied: "He’s been 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.
"And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that is the environment we are 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 are in."
The Apology
Kirk was speaking at a rally in Utah when he was shot in the neck.
The remarks sparked outrage across social media, and MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issued an apology shortly after, refuting his comments.
She said: "During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, 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."
Dowd issued his own apology on X.com, tweeteing: "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."
He followed that up with a tweet explaining: "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."
However, as the outrage grew, MSNBC executives made the decision to terminate their relationship with Dowd.
One Shot Fired
The FBI are leading the investigation into Kirk's death.
Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his organization, Turning Point USA. His appearance was scheduled to be the kickoff of a nationwide college tour.
As with his tours in the past, Kirk was seated at his "Prove Me Wrong Table," fielding questions from students, including those who disagreed with him.
He had just been asked a question about mass shootings when the shot rang out.
The event at UVU had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to ban Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures.
However, the university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its "commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue."
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Massive Manhunt
President Trump was a friend and fan of the conservative activist.
Authorities have been actively searching for a suspect, and armed officers have been going door-to-door throughout the Orem, Utah campus, looking for leads.
A Utah Valley University spokesperson said the gunman shot Kirk from a building 500 yards away from where he was sitting.
Multiple people on social media have been sharing videos they say show the possible shooter lying on the roof of the Losse Center building directly across from the rally.
