A television commentator has been dismissed following his contentious comments regarding Charlie Kirk.
Reports emerged yesterday about the tragic shooting of Kirk, 31, during an event in Utah. Kirk, a prominent right-wing figure and the executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was at Utah Valley University when the incident occurred.
Kirk was shot in the neck and, sadly, succumbed to his injuries. The news of his death was later confirmed by President Trump on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump stated. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
He continued, “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 shooting has sent shockwaves across the United States and globally, with widespread media coverage.
MSNBC covered the news and included commentary from political analyst Matthew Dowd.
During the broadcast, MSNBC’s Katy Tur posed a question about ‘the environment in which a shooting like this happens,’ which prompted a response from Dowd.
Referring to Kirk, Dowd remarked, “He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups.”
Dowd elaborated, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter: “And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that is the environment we are in.”
“You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place. And that’s the unfortunate environment we are in.”
Dowd’s comments have been met with criticism online, with some labeling them as ‘unhinged.’
One individual commented, “Truly an unhinged rant from a lefty lunatic. Imagine saying somebody basically deserves to get murdered for their political beliefs just cause you don’t agree with him.”
Another person described Dowd’s remarks as ‘the most disgusting thing ever said on @MSNBC.’
Calls for Dowd’s dismissal grew, and a source with knowledge of the network confirmed that he has been terminated.
In response, MSNBC publicly apologized for the comments made. In a statement, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler expressed: “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.”
For those impacted by gun violence, more information and support can be found via Survivors Empowered on their website.