MSNBC Fires Analyst Matthew Dowd After Controversial On-Air Comments

MSNBC has reportedly dismissed political analyst Matthew Dowd following backlash over his comments during the network’s coverage of the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Dowd’s remarks appeared to link Kirk’s rhetoric to the circumstances of the fatal incident.

The shooting occurred while Kirk was speaking at a Utah Valley University event, where he was fatally shot in the neck. Shortly after the incident, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox referred to the event as a “political assassination” (source).

During a live segment, MSNBC anchor Katy Tur asked Dowd about the “environment in which a shooting like this happens.” Dowd’s response focused on Kirk’s divisive stance and alleged hate speech.

The despicable ghouls at MSNBC immediately attack Charlie Kirk in wake of shooting — Matthew Dowd blames Kirk’s pushing “hate speech” as reason he was shot:

“I always go back to hateful thoughts, lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”

“You can’t stop with… pic.twitter.com/Js2uESSZdQ

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) September 10, 2025

Dowd elaborated, “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.”

The segment gained viral attention online, with conservative figures predicting Dowd’s dismissal and hashtags like #FireDowd trending. Fox News host Jesse Watters remarked, “I expect him to be terminated within 24 hours” (source).

MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler responded with a statement condemning Dowd’s comments as “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.”

Dowd, who previously worked on George W. Bush’s 2004 campaign, issued an apology via Bluesky, stating, “My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk.”

Despite his apology, Dowd was terminated from MSNBC by Wednesday evening, according to Variety. Dowd’s past includes a 2021 gubernatorial run in Texas and statements on his Christian beliefs, including a controversial 2017 tweet.

In April, Dowd referred to the Bible as “a book filled with much fiction” in a post, emphasizing its interpretative nature and his focus on the words of Jesus.