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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →MSNBC ended its relationship with political analyst Matthew Dowd after he made comments during breaking coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. The network’s president called the remarks inappropriate and apologized to viewers. Dowd apologized, too, saying he did not mean to blame Kirk for the attack. The precise role outside pressure played in the decision is disputed.
What Matthew Dowd said during the breaking coverage
Dowd appeared on MSNBC as the network covered a shooting at a Charlie Kirk event. Kirk’s death had not yet been confirmed in the coverage, and the circumstances of the shooting were still unclear. Asked about the environment in which such an attack could happen, Dowd described Kirk as divisive and said, “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.” He also speculated that the gunfire might have come from a supporter firing in celebration. TIME’s September 11 account describes the live remarks and their timing.
How MSNBC and Dowd responded
MSNBC condemned the remarks and ended the relationship
MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler said Dowd’s comments were “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.” She apologized to viewers and said there was no place for violence in America, political or otherwise. MSNBC then ended its relationship with Dowd. The Los Angeles Times and Guardian reported the network’s response on September 11.
Dowd apologized and rejected the idea that he blamed Kirk
Dowd apologized for his tone and words. He said, “I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack,” and called on people to condemn violence. TIME reported his apology.
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Why MSNBC dismissed Dowd: the accounts differ
The public reporting does not establish a definitive motive beyond the network’s stated objection to the remarks. Dowd and an unnamed MSNBC executive offered conflicting accounts of whether outside pressure influenced the decision.
| Account | What was reported | Attribution and context |
|---|---|---|
| Dowd’s account | He wrote that a “right wing media mob” went after him and that MSNBC “reacted to that mob.” | Dowd made this claim in a September 12 Substack post; it is his explanation, not an independently established finding. |
| MSNBC executive’s account | The decision was not the result of outside pressure; people at MSNBC considered the words inappropriate immediately. | The Associated Press attributed this account to an unnamed executive who was not authorized to speak publicly about personnel matters. |
The Associated Press report published September 12 includes both accounts. Neither account, by itself, establishes what motivated the decision-makers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Dowd later said MSNBC told him
In a later interview with Katie Couric, Dowd said MSNBC agreed his remarks had been misconstrued but told him the decision had been made. The Guardian reported this as Dowd’s account, not as a statement independently confirmed by the network; it said MSNBC had not immediately responded to a request for comment. The Guardian’s September 20 report, updated September 22, covers the interview.
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