A political analyst at MSNBC has been fired following controversial comments made during live coverage of Charlie Kirk’s death. Kirk, 31, a conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Authorities believe the bullet was fired from the roof of a nearby building. Two people initially arrested were later released with no connection to the killing. The shocking incident was quickly amplified online, with video clips circulating within minutes. Former President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “a martyr for youth in America” and extending condolences to his wife Erika and family.
While tributes poured in, some media outlets drew criticism for their handling of the tragedy. TMZ issued an apology after staff were heard laughing during a live segment, later clarifying they were reacting to an unrelated video.
MSNBC faced backlash after analyst Matthew Dowd responded to the shooting on air by criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric. Asked about the political climate surrounding such violence, Dowd described Kirk as “divisive” and linked his style of speech to a broader culture of hostility. He stated: “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And that’s the environment we are in.”
His remarks sparked immediate outrage, with viewers accusing him of insensitivity in the aftermath of a murder. MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler quickly condemned the comments, saying: “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 was dismissed from his role shortly after. On social media platform Bluesky, he posted an apology, clarifying that he never intended to blame Kirk for the attack. “Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind,” he wrote.
The controversy highlights the fine line between political analysis and sensitivity during moments of national grief, as Americans continue to process the shocking assassination of one of the country’s most outspoken conservative voices.
