MSNBC said Wednesday it had parted ways with political analyst Matthew Dowd after he made comments the network described as "inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable" while covering the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah.
Variety reported Dowd had been let go following the remarks. MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler issued an on-air apology earlier in the day, 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."
During the broadcast, Dowd — a longtime political strategist who served as chief strategist for George W. Bush's 2004 re-election campaign — suggested the gunshot that struck Kirk could have been fired by one of Kirk's supporters, and described Kirk as "one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures... who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups." He added, "hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions," and speculated about the environment that might produce violence.
Dowd later apologized on the social platform BlueSky, saying, "My thoughts & prayers are w/ 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." The network statement and Dowd's apology came as criticism mounted online from viewers and public figures condemning the on-air remarks.
Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at a tented event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. Video and eyewitness accounts circulated online showing the conservative activist and commentator collapsing after being struck in the neck. Witnesses described scenes of panic and people running for cover. University officials evacuated the campus and canceled classes.
Officials said the shot was fired from the top of the Losee Center, about 200 feet away from where Kirk was sitting. An elderly man initially taken into custody was later released after authorities determined he was not the shooter. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced that a "person of interest" had been detained, but FBI Director Kash Patel later said that person had been released after interrogation and that the investigation was continuing. As of Wednesday evening, law enforcement said the suspected shooter remained at large.
The White House ordered American flags lowered to half-staff until Sunday evening to honor Kirk. Former President Donald Trump posted on his social platform that "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," and said Kirk "was loved and admired by ALL, especially me." Kirk, who had a security detail with him at the event, leaves his wife, Erika Frantzve, and two young children.
Reaction to Dowd's remarks was immediate across social platforms and among media figures, with critics saying the comments were callous in the immediate aftermath of the fatal shooting. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy wrote on X that he doubted a Kirk supporter had accidentally shot him.
MSNBC's publicly released statement framed the network's action as a response to coverage that it said had crossed a line during breaking news reporting. Variety's report on the departure followed the network apology and Dowd's own public contrition.
Law enforcement officials said they would continue to release information as the investigation proceeds. Authorities did not provide additional details about a motive or a suspect as of Wednesday evening.