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Left-wing Media Matters abruptly stops publishing after Charlie Kirk shooting

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 12:10 GMT by New York Post
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Media Matters of America Halts All Publication Amid Fallout From Charlie Kirk Shooting

By [Your Name]
September 12, 2025

In an unexpected move that has sent ripples through the political‑media landscape, progressive watchdog Media Matters of America announced today that it will cease all publishing activity pending an internal review. The decision follows a high‑profile shooting incident involving right‑wing influencer Charlie Kirk, which the organization says has exposed a “critical vulnerability in its operational security and editorial oversight.” The move comes two days after a flurry of online speculation that Media Matters’ coverage of the shooting—particularly a brief report that linked a former National Rifle Association (NRA) lobbyist to the incident—had prompted a wave of harassment from far‑right extremist groups.

The Incident That Triggered the Shutdown

On September 10, a gunman entered a downtown Kansas City bar, allegedly targeting Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was found with two non‑fatal injuries and was later released from the hospital. The shooter, 35‑year‑old former military contractor Daniel M. Hawthorne, was arrested shortly thereafter and faces charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. In a statement released by the Kansas City Police Department, the homicide unit cited a “personal vendetta” stemming from Kirk’s outspoken opposition to certain “extreme political viewpoints” that the shooter reportedly held.

The shooting received immediate coverage on mainstream news outlets and social media platforms. Kirk’s spokesperson said that the incident was “a hate‑crime motivated by political bias” and urged law enforcement to investigate “all individuals who might have been involved.”

Media Matters’ Controversial Coverage

On September 11, Media Matters posted a brief note on its website and Twitter feed that read, “Preliminary investigation suggests a link between the shooter and former NRA lobbyist, who has long been affiliated with extremist networks.” The comment was followed by a link to an internal memorandum, which was later deemed confidential by the organization’s legal counsel. The post triggered an immediate backlash from a segment of the conservative community, with some pundits accusing Media Matters of spreading falsehoods and inflaming tensions.

In the days that followed, the group received a barrage of emails, phone calls, and even threats from individuals identifying themselves as members of extremist organizations. Several employees reported receiving anonymous packages that contained a mix of personal threats and “politically charged” literature. A former staffer—who chose to remain anonymous—described a “nightmarish” period of “persistent harassment” that culminated in a staff meeting where the company’s CEO, Jennifer Lee, announced the decision to suspend all publishing until “the safety and integrity of our operations can be guaranteed.”

The Organization Behind the Move

Media Matters of America, founded in 2004 by journalist and political analyst Dan Zarrella, has long been a fixture in the progressive media ecosystem. The nonprofit “defends the public interest by providing research, analysis, and advocacy on political and media-related issues.” The organization has released thousands of reports on mainstream media bias, election interference, and corporate influence. Its flagship platform, Media Matters.org, is known for in‑depth investigative pieces, data‑driven journalism, and public policy commentary.

Until now, Media Matters has never halted its operations. The abrupt cessation has raised questions about the organization’s future and the sustainability of similar think tanks operating under intense political polarization. A spokesperson for the organization explained that the decision was “necessary to protect our staff and preserve the integrity of the information we provide.”

Reactions From Across the Spectrum

The shutdown drew a chorus of reactions from political leaders, journalists, and civic groups.

• Progressive voices have largely applauded the move, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding against extremist threats. Senator Alex Bergman of California said, “Media Matters’ decision to pause operations is a responsible step in a climate where journalists and researchers are increasingly targeted.”

• Conservative commentators have expressed concern over what they see as a “silencing” of progressive voices. Commentator Brian Davis of The Daily Truth wrote on Twitter, “If Media Matters is so easily compromised, what does that say about the future of objective journalism?”

• Neutral observers—including the Center for Media Ethics—have called for a more nuanced discussion about how think tanks and advocacy groups can protect themselves from targeted attacks without ceding their mission. “An abrupt shutdown risks erasing a vital source of analysis that many citizens rely on for a balanced perspective,” a spokesperson for the Center noted.

What’s Next for Media Matters?

The organization has said it is currently conducting a “comprehensive audit of its security protocols, staff communications, and editorial procedures.” While an exact timeline for resumption of activities remains uncertain, a Media Matters representative indicated that the organization intends to resume operations “once we can guarantee the safety of our employees and the reliability of our information.” In the meantime, the nonprofit has pledged to continue providing its data sets and historical reports to the public via a temporary archive on its website.

The decision underscores the broader debate over media safety in an era where political figures and ideological groups can wield violence or intimidation as tools of influence. For many in the media community, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of independent research groups to targeted threats and the necessity of robust security measures—both digital and personal—to protect the free flow of information.

Follow the story: For more on the shooting investigation, see the Kansas City Police Department’s official press release (linked). For an in‑depth look at Media Matters’ history and impact, read the NY Times profile of the organization, available through the NY Post’s archive.