MSNBC Reportedly Fires Matthew Dowd Over Controversial Charlie Kirk Remarks
Kirk’s Death Shocks Political and Media Circles
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, during an event at Utah Valley University. The shocking incident, described by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” has sent shockwaves through the political landscape and sparked heated conversations nationwide.
Kirk was at the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour” in Orem, Utah, when the gunfire erupted. Authorities quickly confirmed a person of interest had been taken into custody, though FBI Director Kash Patel later clarified that the subject had been released after interrogation as investigations continue.
Kirk is survived by his wife, former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.
Dowd’s Controversial Comments on MSNBC
Just hours after the shooting, Dowd, 64, appeared on MSNBC Live With Katy Tur. When asked about the “environment in which a shooting like this happens,” he responded:
“He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly pushing this sort of hate speech aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to: hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”
Dowd continued, warning that violent environments often begin with rhetoric:
“You can’t stop with these awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place. That’s the unfortunate environment we are in.”
Backlash and Reported Firing
His remarks quickly ignited outrage on social media. By Thursday, Variety, Deadline, and The Wall Street Journal all reported that Dowd had been terminated from MSNBC, citing insider sources.
MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issued a public apology on the network’s official X account:
“We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
Dowd himself later released a statement on BlueSky, offering his own apology:
“My thoughts & prayers are with 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. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”
National Leaders React
Former President Donald Trump reacted strongly to Kirk’s death, posting on Truth Social:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”
The incident highlights not only the sharp rise in political violence across the United States but also the volatile media environment where commentary can lead to swift consequences.
