Dowd had 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 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.”

Yet Dowd’s comments were largely criticized. MSNBC’s president Rebecca Kutler released a 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.”

Dowd, who has since been fired for his comments, wrote later on social media platform Bluesky: “I apologize for my tone and words.

“Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”

Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.