MSNBC has terminated its senior political analyst Matthew Dowd after he suggested on air that slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk's rhetoric may have contributed to the shooting that killed him. The remarks were made during an appearance on Katy Tur Reports, where Dowd discussed the environment of political discourse.
Dowd said: 'Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and then not expect awful actions to take place.' He also speculated about the circumstances, saying: 'We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration.'
MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler apologised for Dowd's comments, describing them as 'inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable'. In a statement, she said: 'We apologise for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.' The network swiftly severed ties with Dowd following the backlash.
Dowd later issued his own apology on Bluesky, writing: '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 apologise for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack.'
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University. Federal authorities are investigating, with a suspect still at large. The killing has drawn sharp criticism across the political spectrum.
