MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd, who was fired after making comments about Charlie Kirk's death, has issued an apology.
Charlie Kirk's Death
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour” in Orem, Utah.
The Turning Point USA founder was seated under a white gazebo in Utah Valley University’s (UVU) quad, addressing thousands of attendees, when gunfire suddenly rang out.
Video from the event shows him raising his hand to his neck before collapsing from his chair as chaos broke out. Attendees fled in panic as Kirk’s security team and bystanders rushed to his aid.
He was taken to a nearby hospital in a private vehicle but did not survive his injuries.
Authorities later said the shot was likely fired from the rooftop of UVU’s Losee Center, located about 200 meters from where he was speaking.
Clips shared online appeared to show a figure moving on the roof immediately after the attack, though police have not confirmed the footage.
Two individuals were arrested in the hours following the shooting, but FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed they were cleared: "The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency."
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described the incident as a “political assassination” and said authorities did not believe there was a second shooter.
MSNBC Commentator Sparks Backlash
During MSNBC’s live coverage of the tragedy, analyst Matthew Dowd was asked about “the environment in which a shooting like this happens,” by host Katy Tur.
“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 said. "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."
He continued: "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.”
At one point, Dowd even speculated: “We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration. We have no idea. We don’t know any of the full details of this.”
The remarks were met with immediate backlash, prompting MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler to issue a statement on X: “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.”
Variety, Deadline, and the Wall Street Journal all reported that Dowd was fired shortly afterward, citing network sources.
Dowd Issues Apology
Dowd later shared his own apology on BlueSky. “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," he wrote.
He added: “Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”