MSNBC Fires Analyst Matthew Dowd Over Remarks Following Charlie Kirk Killing

Lead: MSNBC announced Thursday that political analyst Matthew Dowd is no longer with the network after on-air comments linking “hateful words” to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during live coverage Wednesday.

Nut Graf: Dowd’s immediate post-shooting analysis, in which he suggested that Kirk’s “divisive” rhetoric helped create an environment of violence, triggered widespread criticism. Both MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler and Dowd issued apologies before the network severed ties, citing the remarks as “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable”.

Backlash to Commentary

• During a segment on the Utah campus shooting, Dowd stated, “hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which lead to hateful actions,” implying Kirk’s own rhetoric contributed to the attack.
• Viewers and social media users condemned the remark as unfairly shifting blame onto the victim.

Network Response

“I sincerely apologize for Matthew’s comments, which were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” Kutler said in a statement. “There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise”.

Analyst’s Apology

On his Bluesky account, Dowd wrote: > “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. I apologize for my tone and words. I in no way intended to imply his rhetoric caused this attack. Let us all join in condemning violence of any kind.”

Dowd’s Background

• Former chief strategist for President George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign.
• Served nearly 15 years as an analyst at ABC News before joining MSNBC in 2022 following an unsuccessful bid for Texas lieutenant governor.