MSNBC Analyst Axed After Backlash To Charlie Kirk Shooting Coverage

MSNBC has parted ways with political analyst Matthew Dowd after his controversial remarks during the network’s coverage of Charlie Kirk’s shooting.

What was expected to be a solemn moment of breaking news turned into a storm of criticism, forcing MSNBC to issue public apologies and cut ties with Dowd within hours.

His words, delivered live on-air, spread quickly across social media and ignited outrage, leading to a decision that has left both the network and Dowd facing intense scrutiny.

As The Blast reported, the controversy began when MSNBC anchor Katy Tur asked Dowd about the environment in which such violence occurs.

He responded by calling Charlie Kirk “one of the most divisive younger figures” and accused him of pushing rhetoric aimed at specific groups.

Dowd warned, “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions,” adding that the current climate makes such tragedies more likely.

In the same segment, he also speculated that the shooter could have been a supporter who “shot their gun off in celebration,” further fueling the outrage.

The comments instantly drew anger online, with critics accusing Dowd of blaming Kirk for his own death.

Network executives acted quickly and decided his remarks were insensitive and unacceptable. By the end of the day, Dowd was out.

Before Dowd’s firing, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler moved fast to put distance between the network and his remarks.

In a statement posted to the network’s public relations X account, she said, “During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is

no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”

Dowd later addressed the uproar himself in a post on BlueSky.

He admitted that his “tone and words” were wrong and insisted he never meant to blame Kirk for the attack.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Charlie Kirk,” he wrote, adding that the country must come together to condemn all forms of violence.

Still, many viewers said the damage was done, and his words showed a shocking lack of empathy in the middle of a national tragedy.

Dowd wasn’t the only figure under fire. Anchor Tur also faced heavy criticism after suggesting during the broadcast that Trump might use Kirk’s death as “justification for something.”

Viewers blasted the comment as premature and politically charged during a moment of mourning.

While Tur has not faced disciplinary action, MSNBC’s handling of the coverage has been widely questioned.

Many accused the network of allowing commentary that leaned more into politics than compassion.

As for Dowd, his firing ends his run at MSNBC, which began in 2022 after years at ABC News.

The backlash over Dowd’s comments comes in the shadow of a devastating loss.

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed in a shooting during a college event in Utah.

His death stunned both allies and critics, sparking a wave of tributes across social media.

President Donald Trump confirmed the news in a Truth Social post, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.”

Trump praised him as someone who deeply understood America’s youth, saying, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me.” He extended condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and his family, closing with, “Charlie, we love you!”

The young activist’s death has left a void in conservative politics. Supporters hailed him as a fearless figure who energized a generation, while critics noted his polarizing influence on national debates.

Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama also faced backlash after sharing a message of sympathy to Kirk’s family following the conservative activist’s tragic death.

In his post, the 64-year-old said, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”

He added that he and his wife Michelle, were praying for Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children.

While some thanked Obama for his kind words, many critics slammed the message as too general and lacking real solutions.