Dave Portnoy sharply criticized former MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd after Dowd suggested during live coverage that one of Charlie Kirk’s supporters might have accidentally shot the conservative activist during a Wednesday event. MSNBC apologized for the remarks and later dismissed Dowd, who also issued a public apology.
Dowd, 64, made the comments on an MSNBC broadcast as the network was reporting on the shooting of Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA. In response to a question about the political climate, Dowd said he reflected "that hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions," and suggested a celebratory shot by a supporter could be a plausible cause. Anchor Katy Tur interrupted to relay that Turning Point USA had confirmed Kirk had been shot.
Barstool Sports founder Portnoy, who posts under the handle @stoolpresidente on X, called Dowd a "lefty lunatic" and condemned the remarks as "insensitive and unacceptable." Portnoy also posted that anyone "happy about this" would be a "disgusting human," and urged others to recognize the shooting as among the darkest days in American history.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler issued an on-air statement saying, "During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise." A network source confirmed to Variety that Dowd was fired late Wednesday.
In a separate statement, Dowd wrote that his thoughts were with Kirk’s family and friends and apologized for his tone and word choice. "Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack," he said, adding a call for unity and condemnation of violence.
Kirk was fatally shot about 20 minutes into an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where he was participating in a stop on his "American Comeback Tour." Authorities said he had just answered a question about mass shootings and transgender people when the attack occurred. Officials described the suspected shooter as armed with a long rifle and positioned atop a building east of the school’s library. Two people the FBI questioned were released, and the suspect remained at large.
Turning Point USA said Kirk, known for campus debates and the "Prove Me Wrong" format, is survived by his wife, former Miss Arizona Erika Frantzve, and two young children. As investigations continue, both broadcasters and political figures have faced scrutiny over commentary made in real time during the unfolding news event.
The incident prompted swift public reaction and raised questions about media conduct during crisis coverage. Network and talent statements made clear that both MSNBC and Dowd acknowledged the inappropriateness of the remarks, and the network moved to terminate Dowd’s role amid the widespread backlash. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting and search for the suspect.