Matthew Wilson
An MSNBC analyst was fired over comments he made in the wake of the death of Charlie Kirk. The network cut ties with political analyst Matthew Dowd.
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According to Variety, Dowd spoke out critically against Kirk in the wake of his fatal shooting. The conservative activist was assassinated in Utah during a college speaking event.
“You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and then not expect awful actions to take place,” Dowd said just moments after the shooting. “That’s the unfortunate environment we’re in.”
His comments quickly garnered a firestorm online. It led to MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler firing him.
Charlie Kirk Shooting
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable,” Kutler said in a statement on X after the segment. “We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
Later, they fired him for his comments, which included speculating on a Kirk supporter killing the activist.
“We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration,” Dowd told anchor Katy Tur. “We have no idea – we don’t know any of the full details of this.”
MSNBC apologized for his actions.
“My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk,” Dowd said. “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.”
Meanwhile, Trump revealed that he will be giving Kirk the Medal of Freedom.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Mr. Trump said. “Our prayers are with his wonderful wife Erika and his beautiful children. Fantastic people, they are.”
He continued, “We miss him greatly yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on. I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously the Medal of Freedom.”
