He stated: “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And that’s the environment we are in.”

His remarks sparked immediate outrage, with viewers accusing him of insensitivity in the aftermath of a murder. MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler quickly condemned the comments, 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.”

Dowd was dismissed from his role shortly after. On social media platform Bluesky, he posted an apology, clarifying that he never intended to blame Kirk for the attack. “Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind,” he wrote.

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