MSNBC Slammed for 'Disgusting' Coverage After Charlie Kirk Shooting

Shockwaves rippled across the nation on Wednesday after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a college event in Utah.

However, what stunned many wasn’t just the tragedy, but the way MSNBC chose to cover it.

As Kirk’s supporters and critics processed the shocking news, the network’s commentary sparked immediate backlash, igniting furious debate online.

As reports emerged that Kirk had been fatally struck in the neck at Utah Valley University, MSNBC anchors chose a controversial angle.

Katy Tur referred to Kirk as “divisive” and “polarizing,” while political analyst Matthew Dowd went further, speculating live on-air about the possibility of the shot being celebratory.

“[We] don't know any of the full details of this yet,” Dowd said. “We don't know if this is a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration or... So we have no idea about this.”

He also echoed Tur, describing Kirk as “one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures... who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups.”

“And I always go back to hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions,” Dowd added.

The comments were blasted online as cruel and insensitive. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote per the Daily Mail, “That's disgusting. Put your politics aside and have some humanity. Charlie is a person, a husband and father.”

Video from the event showed the chilling moment Kirk collapsed after being shot inside a tented gazebo.

Witnesses screamed as chaos erupted on campus. Still, rather than unite in grief, MSNBC’s live remarks divided viewers even further.

“MSNBC literally speculated that this was a supporter shooting their gun off in excitement. If you still support legacy news in any way, you need to stop,” one critic wrote.

The brutal backlash aimed at MSNBC continued, with some netizens calling for Katy Tur and Matthew Dowds firing.

One person wrote, "These are some of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard from a news commentator. How does he even have a job with MSNBC?"

Another netizen added, "@MSNBC @FCC we need an immediate apology and fire that disgusting human. This is hate speech and in no way was justified."

As criticism of MSNBC mounted, tributes poured in from political allies.

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, writing, “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. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

The president later ordered American flags lowered to half-staff until Sunday evening.

Kirk’s sudden death leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve, their three-year-old daughter, and a 16-month-old son.

The couple had just celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in May.

The shooting unfolded at Kirk’s “Great American Comeback Tour” stop.

UVU officials confirmed the bullet was fired from the top of the Losee Center, around 200 feet away from where Kirk was seated.

Initially, police detained an elderly man, but he was later released when determined not to be the shooter. The suspect remains at large.

Eyewitness Sophie Anderson, 45, described the terrifying moment, noting, “The second it happened, I knew it was a gunshot. He was shot in the neck and just fell over and he was just a fountain of blood. They carried him off. All these kids are just falling apart and bawling.”

Anderson recalled nearly being trampled as panicked crowds fled the area. “I ran into the food court and hid in a closet,” she said.

Campus officials swiftly evacuated students and canceled classes until further notice.

Despite MSNBC’s polarizing coverage, the loss of Charlie Kirk has struck a deep chord with his supporters.

The young conservative firebrand, often accused of stirring controversy, had nonetheless built a loyal following among millions online.

To critics, Kirk was a lightning rod; to his followers, he was a voice of youth-driven conservatism.

His influence stretched from social media to college campuses across the country.

Kirk’s presence was undeniable, whether one admired his tactics or opposed his rhetoric.