As the Charlie Kirk shooting news was unfolding on Wednesday afternoon, the cable news networks sprang into breaking news mode. During its coverage, MSNBC brought in Matthew Dowd for additional analysis of the situation, where he made several remarks that led to the network cutting ties with him.
Asked by MSNBC anchor Katy Tur during the 3 p.m. ET hour about the shooting in today’s political environment, Dowd responded by saying Kirk has been divisive and pushed hate speech, adding, “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.”
The social media reaction to Dowd’s comments was swift, with many condemning him and the network.
Shortly after, a network source at MSNBC confirmed that Dowd would no longer be appearing on the network. MSNBC president, Rebecca Kutler, issued a statement on social media apologizing for his remarks.
“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,” Kutler wrote.
— MSNBC Public Relations (@msnbcpr.bsky.social) September 10, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Later in the evening, Dowd posted a statement on Bluesky, saying, “My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. On an earlier appearance on MSNBC, I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack.”
My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us…
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd.bsky.social) September 10, 2025 at 5:33 PM