MSNBC spurs backlash after guest suggests Charlie Kirk shooter could have fired gun in 'celebration'

A liberal guest on MSNBC Wednesday speculated that the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk might have been shot by a supporter who was firing a gun in celebration, prompting backlash from Republican viewers.

Political strategist Matthew Dowd made the comment to MSNBC host Katy Tur, who asked Dowd to speak about the kind of environment that leads to a shooting like the one that took place in Utah earlier in the day. The interview took place before Kirk was confirmed dead and information on the shooting was preliminary.

"We don't know any full details of this," Dowd started saying, before speculating on the motive. "We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration. But following up with what was just said, 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’s the environment that we’re in," he continued. "You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have, and then saying these awful words, and then not expect awful actions to take place. And that’s the unfortunate environment we are in.”

The comment prompted heavy backlash from Republicans, including Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett who called for everyone at the network "to be fired." 

Republican influencers Benny Johnson and Robby Starbuck also slammed the comment, with Starbuck calling for advertisers to pull funding for the network.

"Wow. MSNBC has a guy on basically saying this is Charlie Kirk’s fault because of what he says and what his politics are," Starbuck posted on X. "After this the host continued to demonize Charlie while he fights for his life. EVERY ADVERTISER must be called on to pull their ads from MSNBC immediately!"

Utah officials on Wednesday evening said that a "person of interest" in the shooting is in custody and is being interviewed. Officials also described the attack as "targeted" and politically motivated because there was one shot and one victim.

 Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.