Comcast Releases Statement Following Firing
The tragic shooting death of Charlie Kirk has shaken the nation, ignited widespread outrage, and triggered a firestorm of controversy in its aftermath—especially inside the studios of MSNBC.
Veteran political analyst Matthew Dowd, once a GOP strategist turned full-throated liberal pundit, was unceremoniously fired from MSNBC this week after making comments that critics say all but blamed Kirk himself for the deadly violence that claimed his life. The network, which had previously distanced itself from Dowd’s remarks on social media, confirmed the termination through internal sources to Fox News Digital.
In the immediate hours following Kirk’s assassination on the campus of Utah Valley University, Dowd took to the air with MSNBC’s Katy Tur and offered remarks that ignited a swift and intense backlash. While noting that full details were not yet known, Dowd pointed to Kirk’s rhetoric, stating, “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”
He described Kirk as “one of the most divisive” figures in conservative politics, attributing the violent environment in America to such figures.
Memo from Comcast execs: “You may have seen that MSNBC recently ended its association with a contributor who made an unacceptable and insensitive comment about this horrific event. That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points…
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 12, 2025
But even as the news of Kirk’s death began to settle in, Dowd’s comments were already drawing condemnation from across the political spectrum. The suggestion—subtle or not—that Kirk’s own speech led to his assassination was more than many could stomach.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler issued a rare public statement condemning Dowd’s “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable” comments, adding that the network “apologizes for his statements, as has he.”
Dowd attempted to walk back his words on Bluesky, insisting he had “in no way intended” to blame Kirk and urging unity in condemning violence. But the damage was done.
Political figures and media voices alike, including Fox News host Jesse Watters, demanded Dowd’s immediate dismissal. Others, including White House officials from the Trump administration, slammed the broader culture that allows such rhetoric to be aired so freely under the guise of commentary.