MSNBC has parted methods with political analyst Matthew Dowd after his controversial remarks through the community’s protection of Charlie Kirk’s taking pictures.
What was anticipated to be a solemn second of breaking information was a storm of criticism, forcing MSNBC to situation public apologies and reduce ties with Dowd inside hours.
His phrases, delivered stay on-air, unfold rapidly throughout social media and ignited outrage, resulting in a choice that has left each the community and Dowd dealing with intense scrutiny.
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Matthew Dowd Fired Over Charlie Kirk Remarks
As The Blast reported, the controversy started when MSNBC anchor Katy Tur requested Dowd concerning the setting by which such violence happens.
He responded by calling Charlie Kirk “some of the divisive youthful figures” and accused him of pushing rhetoric aimed toward particular teams.
Dowd warned, “Hateful ideas result in hateful phrases, which then result in hateful actions,” including that the present local weather makes such tragedies extra doubtless.
In the identical phase, he additionally speculated that the shooter may have been a supporter who “shot their gun off in celebration,” additional fueling the outrage.
The feedback immediately drew anger on-line, with critics accusing Dowd of blaming Kirk for his personal loss of life.
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Community executives acted rapidly and determined his remarks had been insensitive and unacceptable. By the top of the day, Dowd was out.
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MSNBC Points Apology Amid Charlie Kirk’s Demise
Assertion from MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler: “Throughout our breaking information protection of the taking pictures of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made feedback that had been inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There isn’t a place for violence in…
— MSNBC Public Relations (@MSNBCPR) September 10, 2025
Earlier than Dowd’s firing, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler moved quick to place distance between the community and his remarks.
In an announcement posted to the community’s public relations X account, she mentioned, “Throughout our breaking information protection of the taking pictures of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made feedback that had been inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There may be
no place for violence in America, political or in any other case.”
Dowd later addressed the uproar himself in a publish on BlueSky.
He admitted that his “tone and phrases” had been unsuitable and insisted he by no means meant accountable Kirk for the assault.
“My ideas and prayers are with the household and pals of Charlie Kirk,” he wrote, including that the nation should come collectively to sentence all types of violence.
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Nonetheless, many viewers mentioned the injury was achieved, and his phrases confirmed a surprising lack of empathy in the course of a nationwide tragedy.
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MSNBC Faces Fallout From On-Air Protection
🚨 BREAKING: MSNBC anchor calls Charlie Kirk “divisive” and “polarizing” after he was shot.
That is maybe probably the most disgusting response to a political act of violence I’ve seen on cable TV, ever.pic.twitter.com/ODnKKduvFT
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 10, 2025
Dowd wasn’t the one determine below hearth. Anchor Tur additionally confronted heavy criticism after suggesting through the broadcast that Trump may use Kirk’s loss of life as “justification for one thing.”
Viewers blasted the remark as untimely and politically charged throughout a second of mourning.
Whereas Tur has not confronted disciplinary motion, MSNBC’s dealing with of the protection has been extensively questioned.
Many accused the community of permitting commentary that leaned extra into politics than compassion.
As for Dowd, his firing ends his run at MSNBC, which started in 2022 after years at ABC Information.
Kirk’s Demise Sends Shockwaves

The backlash over Dowd’s feedback comes within the shadow of a devastating loss.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Level USA, was killed in a taking pictures throughout a school occasion in Utah.
His loss of life shocked each allies and critics, sparking a wave of tributes throughout social media.
President Donald Trump confirmed the information in a Fact Social publish, calling him “The Nice, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.”
Trump praised him as somebody who deeply understood America’s youth, saying, “He was beloved and admired by ALL, particularly me.” He prolonged condolences to Kirk’s spouse Erika and his household, closing with, “Charlie, we love you!”
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The younger activist’s loss of life has left a void in conservative politics. Supporters hailed him as a fearless determine who energized a technology, whereas critics famous his polarizing affect on nationwide debates.
Barack Obama Slammed Following Charlie Kirk’s Demise
We don’t but know what motivated the one who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, however this sort of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will probably be praying for Charlie’s household tonight, particularly his spouse Erika and their two younger kids.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 10, 2025
In the meantime, former President Barack Obama additionally confronted backlash after sharing a message of sympathy to Kirk’s household following the conservative activist’s tragic loss of life.
In his publish, the 64-year-old mentioned, “We don’t but know what motivated the one who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, however this sort of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”
He added that he and his spouse Michelle, had been praying for Kirk’s spouse, Erika, and their two kids.
Whereas some thanked Obama for his type phrases, many critics slammed the message as too basic and missing actual options.