On air shortly after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, MSNBC guest Matthew Dowd speculated that the gunfire might have come “from a supporter firing in celebration.” This remark aired before authorities confirmed that the attack was a targeted assassination from a rooftop position.
Moments later, Dowd issued an apology, stressing that he never intended to assign blame to Kirk or his supporters. He clarified that his comments were meant to reflect an uncertain environment rather than blame.
MSNBC’s leadership also released a statement condemning the remarks, labeling them “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.” They reiterated that violence cannot be justified and pledged to reinforce standards for sensitive coverage.