Matthew Dowd, a MSNBC political analyst, has been fired following statements he made on the network in the wake of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an MSNBC source has confirmed.
Kirk died Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University after being shot by an assassin’s bullet.
When discussing the shooting on air, MSNBC correspondent Katy Tur asked a question about “the environment in which a shooting like this happens.”
In Dowd’s response, he stated, “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.”
Before news of Dowd’s termination was confirmed, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler released a statement refuting his comments. “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,” Kutler said.
Dowd also later apologized, writing on his BlueSky account, “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 Hollywood Reporter reached out to MSNBC for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication.
Hollywood and political figures took to social media on Wednesday to share their reactions and tributes to the late MAGA activist. President Donald Trump announced his death on Truth Social, where he wrote, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Late night host Jimmy Kimmel took to Instagram, where he wrote, “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”