Conservatives blasted MSNBC on Wednesday after one of the network’s contributors appeared to suggest that Charlie Kirk’s own actions were to blame for his death.
“He has been one of the most divisive figures … who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech aimed at certain groups,” MSNBC’s Matthew Dowd said of the slain Turning Point USA co-founder and conservative influencer.
“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 we’re in.
“You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then just saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place,” Dowd said.
MSNBC host Katy Tur also called Kirk “a divisive figure. Polarizing. Lightning rod. Whatever term you want to use.”
Jenny Beth Martin, co-founder of Tea Party Patriots, said of Dowd’s remarks: “This is one of the most sickening responses I have seen to a political act of violence.”
“These people are evil,” Martin added.
“Wow. MSNBC has a guy on basically saying this is Charlie Kirk’s fault because of what he says and what his politics are. After this the host continued to demonize Charlie while he fights for his life,” conservative influencer Robby Starbuck tweeted shortly after Kirk was reported shot.
“EVERY ADVERTISER must be called on to pull their ads from MSNBC immediately!”
Nathan Brand, an adviser to Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., suggested MSNBC’s broadcast license should be yanked.
“MSNBC should just go off air today… or this week… or heck, permanently…,” Brand tweeted.
Podcast host Clay Travis condemned Dowd’s remarks.
“This is utterly despicable. MSNBC guest says Charlie should expect to get shot based on what he says. I can’t believe this is real. The left wing in this country is evil and violent,” he tweeted.
Kirk, 31, was shot as he spoke to students Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University in Orem.
His death was later announced by President Donald Trump, who called Kirk “great, even legendary.”
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. 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!”
Howard Koplowitz
al.com
(TNS)
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