Matthew Dowd, a political operative and MSNBC contributor, was fired by the network after comments he made on-air Wednesday just minutes after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“We don’t know any of the details of this, we don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration,” Dowd said during coverage, calling Kirk “one of the more divisive figures in this.”
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“He was constantly pushing this sort of hate speech aimed at certain groups,” Dowd added. “And I always go back to hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions … You can’t say these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place.”
His remarks drew immediate backlash, leading MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler to issue an apology.
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” Kutler said. “We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
A network source confirmed Dowd was fired following the incident. He later posted an apology online.
“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 all come together and condemn violence of any kind,” Dowd wrote.
Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday during an event in Utah. His killer is still at large.
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