If you’re a politician, public figure, journalist, or just some regular person on social media, be very careful what you say about Charlie Kirk right now. In the wake of his assassination, MAGA has vengeance on their minds and is out for blood.
As proof of how tense things are out there, take a look at what just happened over on MSNBC. Political analyst Matthew Dowd was asked for his take on Kirk’s death and gave what otherwise would be considered a balanced comment, describing Kirk as a “divisive figure” who provoked anger with intentionally provocative arguments designed to infuriate liberals:
BREAKING: MSNBC has fired political analyst Matthew Dowd after his comments on the killing of Charlie Kirk. pic.twitter.com/kXaf94KQKh
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 11, 2025
“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. 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.”
Social media was promptly stacked with infuriated conservatives calling for his head, describing Dowd on X as a “disgusting disgrace to the shambles called journalism“, that he’s a “sick twisted insane person“, and “an absolute ghoul“.
“We apologize for his statements”
MSNBC instantly folded and fired him, with their president, Rebecca Kutler, releasing an apologetic statement reading:
“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.”
All too predictably, this hasn’t dampened down the anger at all, with replies dubbing MSNBC as “sub-human”, saying they should be “shut down”, and that “we are coming for your broadcasting license.”
Meanwhile, there’s widespread criticism of MSNBC for acting so quickly and bowing to pressure:
Matthew Dowd spoke nothing but the truth: hateful thoughts lead to hateful words lead to hateful actions.
—
Why the hell would MSNBC fire him for stating facts?
Catherine is a Biden Harris Dem (@CMargaronis) September 11, 2025
With the killer still at large and cops apparently clueless, there’s currently no focus for the fury they’re feeling at Kirk’s death. So, if you happen to come up with some darkly funny comment about Kirk’s murder, you think would be a social media hit, maybe think twice before posting it, as consequences may swiftly follow.
