31-year-old conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot at a debate event on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The incident has been widely condemned as a political assassination, and a search for the shooter is ongoing. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation, with many, including US President, Donald Trump mourning Charlie’s loss.
Amid the nationwide coverage of the news, one particular comment by political analyst Matthew Dowd had received intense backlash from the public. It was even condemned by the organisation he represented, i.e., MSNBC. It led to Matthew’s sacking and MSNBC ending up apologising on behalf of their former employee.
What did Matthew Dowd say about Charlie Kirk’s death?
After the news of Charlie Kirk’s tragic death was broken, former MSNBC political commentator and analyst, Matthew Dowd, made some remarks on the deceased, which were deemed thoughtless. During MSNBC’s live coverage of the shooting, Matthew discussed the potential link between rhetoric and violence. He suggested that Charlie’s ‘hateful words’ could have led to ‘hateful actions’ of fatal shooting. His exact words, as heard during his live coverage of the incident, were:
“He’s [Charlie’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. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”
Repercussion of Matthew Dowd’s statements about Charlie Kirk
Matthew Dowd’s on-air comments on Charlie being party responsible for his death did not sit right with the viewers. It sparked immediate public outrage and condemnation from across the political spectrum, with the hashtag #FireDowd trending on social media. As Matthew’s former organisation became aware of the issue, they terminated his employment and issued a formal apology on his behalf.
MSNBC’s apology statement for Matthew Dowd’s remarks on Charlie Kirk
MSNBC President, Rebecca Kutler, called Matthew’s statements’ inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable.’ Later that day, the network announced that Matthew was ‘no longer with’ MSNBC. MSNBC’s apology statement, shared through the organisation’s Public Relations’ X (formerly Twitter) account, can be read as:
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologise for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
Mathew, himself, also issued an apology on social media for his ‘tone and words’, clarifying that he did not intend to blame Charlie for the attack. He urged condemnation of such ‘horrendous’ violence and apologised for unintentionally hurting people’s sentiments. The political analyst’s statement can be read as:
“I apologise 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.”
How did Charlie Kirk lose his life?
The tragic incident took place when Charlie was speaking at an outdoor Prove Me Wrong debate held under a tent, when a single gunshot struck him in the neck. He was rushed to a hospital by his security team, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities believe the shot was fired from the rooftop of a nearby building, the Losee Center. The suspect, who was reportedly wearing dark clothing, remains at large.
What are your thoughts on Matthew Dowd being fired for his comments on the late Charlie Kirk? Let us know.
Also Read: Charlie Kirk’s Remarks On Indians, Made Days Before Utah Shooting, Resurface, ‘Enough, We’re Full’