Matthew Dowd, a longtime MSNBC contributor and political consultant, was let go by the network after comments he made regarding the shooting death of conservative media figure Charlie Kirk. Matthew Dowd’s stance on Charlie Kirk’s political positions and topics of note led to MSNBC denouncing his statements and subsequently firing him.
Matthew Dowd, 64, appeared on MSNBC during breaking news coverage of Charlie Kirk’s death at the hands of an unknown gunman on Wednesday, September 10, during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
During the broadcast, Dowd said the following:
He’s (Kirk) been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that is the environment we are in. You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place. And that’s the unfortunate environment we are in.
MSNBC Public Relations’ X account later shared a statement from network president Rebecca Kutler.
“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,” read Kutler’s statement.
So far, Matthew Dowd has yet to issue a public response regarding his comments and the fallout.
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Photo: Getty
