What was meant to be live coverage of a tragic event has now turned into another controversy.
MSNBC is under heavy fire after comments made during its reporting on the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Viewers described the remarks as “shameful” and “disgusting,” accusing the network of showing a lack of compassion in the midst of a tragedy.
The Comments That Sparked Outrage
While anchoring the segment, host Katy Tur referred to Kirk as “divisive” and “polarizing.”
Political analyst Matthew Dowd went even further, speculating on air that the gunfire might have come from one of Kirk’s own supporters.
“We don’t know the details of this yet,” Dowd said.
“We don’t know if this is a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration or… So we have no idea about this.”
He then echoed Tur’s assessment, labeling Kirk as one of the most divisive young figures in politics and linking his rhetoric to “hate speech” and harmful actions.
Viewers Push Back
It didn’t take long for clips of the broadcast to spread online, and the backlash was swift.
Many accused MSNBC of crossing the line by turning a moment of mourning into political commentary.
“That’s disgusting. Put your politics aside and have some humanity. Charlie is a person, a husband and father,” one user posted on X.
Another wrote: “Man, it’s tragic. It’s crazy how MSNBC will just say ‘whoopsie’ and sweep this under the rug like they always do.”
Others called the remarks “shameful” and “embarrassing for anybody who’s ever worked in the media.”
Public Figures Weigh In
Even outside of political circles, criticism rolled in.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy blasted MSNBC, writing on X: “Hey @MSNBC, I’m gonna go ahead and rule out that it was one of Charlie Kirk’s supporters that accidentally shot him with a celebratory gun shot.”
Trump Confirms Kirk’s Death
Later that evening, Donald Trump confirmed the news on Truth Social, describing Kirk as “great” and “legendary.”
“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me… Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
A Life Cut Short
Charlie Kirk, only 31 years old, was fatally shot in the neck while under the protection of his security detail.
The gunman, as of now, remains at large. Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.