MSNBC’s Matthew Dowd fired over on-air comments about Charlie Kirk

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MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd was fired on Wednesday following statements he made in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of conservative activist and TV personality Charlie Kirk, an MSNBC source told The Hollywood Reporter.

Kirk was shot and killed by a single bullet while answering an audience member’s question about gun violence during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.

While discussing the shooting, MSNBC correspondent Katy Tur asked about “the environment in which a shooting like this happens.”

Dowd responded: “He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures, in this, who’s constantly sort of pushing this hate speech aimed at certain groups. I always go back to hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”

He added: “And I think that is the environment we’re in. You can’t stop with these sorts 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.”

Dowd later apologized for his comments in a statement posted to his Bluesky page, writing that his “thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk.”

He then referenced his earlier comments.

“I was asked a question on the environment we are in,” Dowd explained.

“I apologize for my tone and words,” he continued. “ 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.”

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MSNBC’s president, Rebecca Kutler, also released a statement Wednesday condemning the ousted analyst’s remarks.

“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” the exec said, via the MSNBC public relations team’s X account.

“We apologize for his statements, as has he,” she added. “There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”

MSNBC and Kirk join other notable names who have condemned Kirk’s shooting.

Stephen Colbert’s usual intro was replaced with a sombre opening as he addressed the killing.

“I am old enough to personally remember the political violence of the 1960s, and I hope it is obvious to everyone in America that political violence does not solve any of our political differences,” he said after sharing his condolences to Kirk’s family and loved ones.

“Political violence only leads to more political violence,” Colbert added. “And I pray with all my heart that this is the aberrant action of a madman and not a sign of things to come.”

Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote on X: “Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly.”

He added: “We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can’t agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don’t solve our debates with violence.”