Television Analyst Abruptly Fired After
A political analyst at MSNBC has been dismissed after controversial remarks made during live reporting of Charlie Kirk’s death.Kirk, 31, a conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Authorities say the bullet came from the roof of a nearby building. Two suspects were briefly detained but later released after being cleared of involvement.
News of the attack spread rapidly online, with videos of the incident circulating within minutes. Former President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “a martyr for youth in America” and offering condolences to his wife, Erika, and family.
Tributes quickly followed, but some media outlets faced criticism for their coverage. TMZ apologized after staff were overheard laughing during a segment, later clarifying their reaction was to a separate video.
MSNBC came under fire after analyst Matthew Dowd commented on air that Kirk’s rhetoric was divisive and connected it to a wider culture of hostility. “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions,” Dowd said, drawing backlash for insensitivity.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler condemned his remarks, calling them “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable.” She emphasized the network’s opposition to violence in all forms and confirmed Dowd’s departure following the controversy.
