Who is Matthew Dowd? MSNBC Analyst Fired Over Charlie Kirk Comments

Political analyst Matthew Dowd has been fired from MSNBC after making controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in a shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

What Happened

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at his event titled the American Comeback Tour. The shocking attack left thousands of attendees in panic and the nation in mourning.

During MSNBC’s live coverage of the tragedy, Matthew Dowd made comments that were quickly criticized as inappropriate and insensitive.

What Matthew Dowd Said

On air, Dowd described Kirk as “one of the most divisive younger figures” and accused him of spreading hate speech. He added: “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that is the environment we are in.”

He further speculated about whether the shooter could have been a supporter of Kirk, saying: “We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration.”

These remarks came while details of the shooting were still unclear, drawing backlash from viewers and political figures alike.

MSNBC’s Decision

According to Variety, MSNBC decided to part ways with Dowd shortly after the comments. A network insider confirmed that his remarks did not reflect the values of the channel, especially in the wake of such a tragic event.

Public Reaction

Social media erupted following his statements. Many criticized Dowd for politicizing Kirk’s death. Supporters of Kirk demanded accountability, while others debated whether MSNBC handled the firing too quickly.

Investigation Continues

Meanwhile, the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination is ongoing. The gunman has not yet been caught. Authorities continue to review video evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with federal agencies.

The firing of Matthew Dowd highlights how sensitive media coverage becomes during national tragedies. As the search for Kirk’s killer continues, the focus remains on seeking justice while avoiding further division.