NBC Analyst Speaks Out After Losing Job Over Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination
The commentator at the center of a heated controversy has broken his silence following reports that he was fired for his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s shocking assassination.
The death of the 31-year-old right-wing media personality and Turning Point USA founder stunned the nation. Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 11, a moment captured in dramatic footage showing panicked screams as the crowd erupted in chaos.
Tributes poured in for Kirk, with President Donald Trump among those mourning the loss of a man he described as a “very good friend.” However, MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd soon found himself in the spotlight for reasons of his own. Sources told UNILAD that Dowd’s remarks about Kirk were deemed “unhinged,” ultimately costing him his job.
In his controversial comments, Dowd described Kirk as “divisive” and accused him of “constantly” promoting what he called “hate speech” targeting certain groups. The remarks sparked a social media firestorm, prompting MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler to issue a statement condemning Dowd’s words as “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.”
Now, Dowd has issued a public apology. Posting on BlueSky, he wrote:
“My thoughts and prayers are with 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’s original remarks had drawn sharp criticism. When asked about the “environment in which a shooting like this happens,” the 64-year-old analyst said:
“He [Kirk] has been one of the most divisive, especially younger figures in this arena, constantly pushing what I see as hate speech aimed at certain groups. Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. That’s the environment we are in. You can’t expect awful thoughts and words not to lead to awful actions. That’s the unfortunate reality.”
Many viewers interpreted Dowd’s comments as implying political beliefs could justify violence, fueling the backlash. Kutler reiterated the network’s stance: “We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
Meanwhile, Trump honored Kirk’s legacy in a heartfelt Truth Social post:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
In a video statement, Trump added:
“He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there’s never been anyone more respected by youth.”
In Kirk’s honor, Trump has directed all American flags to be flown at half-mast until Sunday.