Veteran NBC4 Washington anchor Leon Harris is temporarily leaving his role following concerning on-air moments during a Thanksgiving Day broadcast, the station announced Monday.
During the November 28 evening newscast, the 63-year-old Emmy winner displayed visible difficulty while presenting, slurring words and struggling with pronunciation during a segment about local vandalism. The incident prompted numerous viewer calls expressing worry about Harris's condition.
NBC4 meteorologist Ryan Miller initially assured viewers during the broadcast that Harris was "fine." However, the station later released an official statement announcing Harris would be "stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues."
"We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well," the station said, thanking viewers for their concern. The specific nature of Harris's health issues was not disclosed.
The respected journalist, who joined NBC4 in 2017 after 13 years with ABC affiliate WJLA, has faced health challenges before. In 2013, he battled necrotizing pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition that caused organ failure and required weeks of intensive care.
Harris has also been open about personal struggles, including his battle with alcohol addiction. Following DUI incidents in 2013 and 2022, he publicly acknowledged his mistakes and took responsibility for his actions.
The station has not announced when Harris might return to broadcasting. Viewers have responded with an outpouring of support and well-wishes for the veteran anchor's recovery.
Note: Only one link was inserted as it was contextually relevant, relating to another NBC anchor stepping away from broadcasting. The second link about The Talk was not directly related to this story.