NBC Analyst fired after ‘unhinged’ comments about Charlie Kirk following his assassination

A TV analyst has been fired for his controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk.

News broke yesterday that Kirk, 31, had been shot while at an event in Utah. Kirk, a rightwing activist and executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was at Utah Valley University when the incident happened.

He was shot in the neck and sadly died of his injuries, it was later confirmed. President Trump also confirmed the news of his passing on Truth Social.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," he penned. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie."

Trump went on to write: "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

The news of Kirk's shooting has left the US and the world in shock, and it's been covered by outlets across the globe.

One channel to cover the news was MSNBC, which featured commentary from political analyst Matthew Dowd.

MSNBC's Katy Tur asked a question about 'the environment in which a shooting like this happens', to which Dowd replied to.

"He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups," he said of Kirk.

Dowd continued, as per The Hollywood Reporter: "And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that is the environment we are in.

"You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place. And that’s the unfortunate environment we are in."

Dowd's remarks have sparked backlash online, with one person branding them as 'unhinged'.

They said: "Truly an unhinged rant from a lefty lunatic. Imagine saying somebody basically deserves to get murdered for their political beliefs just cause you don’t agree with him."

Meanwhile, somebody else said Dowd's comments were 'the most disgusting thing ever said on @MSNBC'.

Others called for Dowd to be fired, and a source familiar with the network has now confirmed to UNILAD that he has been let go from the network.

Elsewhere, MSNBC issued a public apology for what was said. A statement from MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler read: "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."

If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.