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 network issued an apology and announced Dowd's dismissal shortly after the incident.
During an appearance on Katy Tur Reports, 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 that the shooting might have been "a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration."
MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler described Dowd's comments as "inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable" in a statement posted to social media. "We apologize for his statements, as has he," Kutler wrote. "There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise."
Dowd, who served as chief strategist for George W Bush's 2004 presidential campaign and was formerly a political analyst for ABC News, issued his own apology on Bluesky. He said: "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 apologize 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 and a prominent figure in conservative youth politics, was fatally shot in the neck during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Federal authorities are investigating, with a suspect still at large.
