Political analyst Matthew Dowd is out at MSNBC after on-air remarks following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked intense backlash.
Dowd, a former George W. Bush strategist and longtime television commentator, said during Wednesday’s coverage that Kirk had been “a divisive figure who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech aimed at certain groups.” He added, “I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which lead to hateful actions. And I think that’s the environment we’re in.”
The comments drew immediate criticism online, prompting apologies from both MSNBC and Dowd.
Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC’s president, called the remarks “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” posting, “There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
Dowd, who joined MSNBC in 2022 after a failed run for Texas lieutenant governor, also issued his own apology on Bluesky. “I apologize for my tone and words,” he wrote. “Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”
Dowd previously spent nearly 15 years as an analyst at ABC News.
Meanwhile, the fallout extended beyond MSNBC. FloridaPolitics.com suspended reporter A.G. Gancarski after he texted Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) within minutes of the shooting to ask if it made him reconsider his position on gun control.
Fine responded that he had only just learned of the shooting 23 minutes earlier, replying, “Never contact me again.” Publisher Peter Schorsch said he was worried the timing appeared provocative.
“When a house is on fire, I don’t think you should ask questions about a person’s insurance policy. You put out the fire first,” Schorsch said, calling Gancarski “a good reporter who made a mistake.” The reporter is expected to return after a brief suspension.
The dual controversies underscore how the immediate aftermath of Kirk’s killing has heightened scrutiny on media commentary and reporting around the case.
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With inputs from Associated Press