MSNBC Analyst Fired for Controversial Remarks Following Charlie Kirk's Assassination

In a tragic turn of events, Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative voice and advocate for Israel, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking at a "Turning Point USA" event at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was struck by a single bullet during his presentation, an act of violence that sent the 2,000-person crowd into a panic. As news of the assassination broke, MSNBC host Katy Tur brought on analyst Matthew Dowd to discuss the environment in which such a shooting could occur rather than condemning the murder for what it was.

Dowd, however, offered a bizarre perspective that was thankfully immediately condemned. He began by speculating about the shooter's motives, telling viewers that it was unknown "if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration." It is worth noting that multiple left wing figures attempted to defend the shooting in a similar manner rather than condemning the assassination. He then launched into a blistering critique of Kirk's public persona this was while Kirk was fighting for his life in the hospital.

"He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this country, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech sort of aimed at certain groups," Dowd stated on air. "And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. 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." Disgusting comments from someone who clearly knew very little about Charlie and the effort he went to to fight for free speach and open up room for debate in the political sphere allowing people to discuss hard topics without violence.

The comments were met with a swift and furious response on social media. Fox News host Jesse Watters demanded Dowd be terminated. On his show, Watters said, "You can’t say Charlie deserved to die. Just can’t say that, and I hope he loses his job. It’s dangerous, Greg. That’s the message. It’s dangerous to open your mouth, so shut it."

Within hours, MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler issued an unprecedented apology, stating that Dowd's comments were "inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable." She added, "There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise." Network sources confirmed that Dowd had been terminated, ending his tenure with the network. Dowd's attempt at damage control came too late. In an apology posted to his Bluesky account, he wrote, "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."

Kirk was pronounced dead at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, leaving behind his wife, Erika, and two young children.