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The analyst and the network has since issued an apology.
The analyst and the network has since issued an apology.
What is happening?
Political analyst Matthew Dowd has been let go from MSNBC following controversial on-air remarks made in the aftermath of the Utah Valley University shooting, that cost conservative activist Charlie Kirk his life.
On-air remarks spark immediate outrage
During MSNBC’s live coverage of the shooting, Dowd suggested that extreme rhetoric could lead to real-world violence.
“You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and then not expect awful actions to take place,” he said.
The comments were made just minutes after the shooting occurred, before any details were confirmed.
MSNBC issues public apology
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler responded swiftly, calling Dowd’s remarks “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable.”
In a statement posted to X, she added: “There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
Despite an on-air apology from Dowd, the network ultimately decided to cut ties with him.
Speculation without evidence
One of Dowd’s most contentious comments was the suggestion that a supporter could have accidentally fired a gun “in celebration.”
He added, “We have no idea… we don’t know any of the full details of this,” yet critics argued his speculation was reckless and premature, especially during a breaking news situation.
A career in broadcasting comes to a halt
Dowd, who joined MSNBC in 2022 after years as a chief political analyst at ABC News, also ran as a Democrat for Texas lieutenant governor.
His role at MSNBC had given him a prominent platform—one that now appears to have ended abruptly.
Dowd clarifies intent
Later on social media, Dowd expressed regret over his tone and clarified his intent.
“I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack,” he wrote. “Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”
What we know about the Charlie Kirk shooting
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot once in the neck during a public Q&A event at Utah Valley University.
The attack happened during a session under a pop-up tent, as Kirk was reportedly answering a question about mass shootings.
Authorities later confirmed the shooter targeted Kirk deliberately.
‘Targeted political assassination’
Utah Governor Spencer Cox did not mince words: “This is a political assassination,” he said at a press conference.
Officials believe the gunman fired a single round from the roof of the university’s Losee Centre—around 180 meters from the stage.
Security under scrutiny at 3,000-person event
The event, which drew around 3,000 attendees, had six security officers on duty, according to the university’s police chief.
Still, some attendees expressed shock at the relatively light security presence given Kirk’s high-profile political status and the heated nature of his public appearances.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
A vocal supporter of Donald Trump and founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA, Kirk is known for his combative campus debates and open-air events.
A father of two, he’s built a following among young conservatives across the country.
After the shooting, Kirk was rushed to the hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
