Commentators at MSNBC are suggesting that popular conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s rhetoric and advocacy of conservative causes are responsible for him getting shot. 

Videos on social media show Kirk sitting under a tent and speaking at Utah Valley University at Orem, when a single gunshot can be heard. Videos appeared to show Kirk being shot in the neck before he falls backwards. President Trump posted on Truth Social shortly before 5 p.m. that the “great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead.”

Shortly after the news first surfaced of the shooting, and as Kirk’s condition was unknown, MSNBC’s Katy Tur described him as a “divisive figure, polarizing, lightning rod. Whatever term you want to use.”

Minutes later, a paid MSNBC contributor, Matthew Dowd appeared to blame Kirk’s rhetoric for the shooting. He was later fired by the network for his comments.

“He’s been one of the most divisive, especially younger divisive figures, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech, aimed at certain groups,” Mr. Dowd said.

He added, “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 that, that people just 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’re in.”

Despite his commentary about “hateful words” leading to “hateful actions,” Mr. Dowd appeared to question if the shooting was intentional and suggested it could have been celebratory. 

“We don’t know any of the specific details of this yet. We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration or — so, we have no idea,” Mr. Dowd said. 

Mr. Dowd is a Republican political strategist who has been a vocal critic of MAGA and President Trump. Ms. Tur, one of MSNBC’s star anchors, wrote a best-selling anti-Trump book and has made a name for herself denouncing the president.