Matthew Dowd fired from MSNBC after making controversial remarks about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The MSNBC political analyst lost his job just hours after Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action. He was shot while speaking to students about gun violence on campus. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the incident a “political assassination.” Kirk’s tragic death has shaken the political community, with leaders across the spectrum condemning the violence.
Soon after the shooting, Matthew Dowd appeared on MSNBC Live With Katy Tur. When asked about the environment that led to the attack, he described Kirk as “one of the most divisive” young figures. His remarks suggested that hateful rhetoric in politics can contribute to violent outcomes.
The comments sparked immediate backlash on social media. Viewers accused Dowd of blaming the victim instead of condemning the attack outright. Within hours, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issued a public apology, stressing that the network does not support any form of violence.
Matthew Dowd later posted his own apology, saying his “tone and words” were wrong. He clarified that he did not intend to blame Kirk for the shooting and expressed condolences to the family. Despite the apology, multiple outlets confirmed Dowd had been fired.
Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona USA, and their two children. His death has been mourned by supporters, including former President Donald Trump, who called him “loved and admired by all.”
