An MSNBC political analyst has been fired following controversial comments made during live coverage of Charlie Kirk’s death. Kirk, 31, a conservative commentator and Turning Point USA co-founder, was shot in the neck on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Authorities believe the shot came from the roof of a nearby building. Two people initially arrested were later released, having no connection to the killing. The shocking incident quickly spread 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 offering condolences to his wife, Erika, and family.
While tributes poured in, some media outlets faced criticism. TMZ apologized after staff were heard laughing during a live segment, clarifying they were reacting to an unrelated video.
MSNBC drew 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 to a broader culture of hostility. “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And that’s the environment we are in,” he said.
His remarks sparked immediate outrage, with viewers accusing him of insensitivity in the wake of a murder. MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler condemned the 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.”
Dowd was dismissed shortly after. On social media platform Bluesky, he posted an apology, clarifying he never intended to blame Kirk for the attack. “Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind,” he wrote.
The controversy underscores 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.