Source: NBC4 / Youtube
Veteran Washington, DC., news anchor Leon Harris is stepping away from the office to work on “health issues” after a recent on-air issue during a segment.
On Monday (Dec. 2), NBC4 News in Washington, DC, issued a statement via its website and on air announcing that anchor Leon Harris is “leaving” the office to focus on “health matters” after appearing to be unwell during a segment on their Thanksgiving show. “We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply for Leon and wish him well. Thank you for your concern,” they wrote. They did not disclose what health problems Harris was dealing with in response to further press requests.
An update on our colleague Leon Harris. pic.twitter.com/dzUEe96Qa4
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) December 2, 2024
The 63-year-old was on air reporting on local vandalism. However, viewers noticed that the veteran news anchor struggled to pronounce some words and street names and exhibited slurred speech. Harris was pulled from the office after the segment ended, and meteorologist Ryan Miller expressed viewers' concerns that he suffered a stroke or other medical problem during his segment covering the weather. “We've heard a lot from some of you by phone and email during this news release,” Miller said. “We want to assure you that our colleague, Leon Harris, is fine. The News4 team appreciates your concern.”
Harris has been with NBC4 since joining the station in 2017 after working at local ABC network WJLA. The journalist has won an Emmy Award for his work, having started his career at CNN in Atlanta, Georgia. Harris has dealt with health issues in the past, having taken time off to recover from a leg injury suffered at home in September. In 2013, Harris also experienced necrotizing pancreatitis that landed him in the intensive care unit. He has also dealt with alcohol abuse, having been arrested for DUI in 2013 and 2022. “I made a terrible mistake,” he said in a 2022 interview with Washington Post. “After drinking, I decided to get in my car and drive. This is the worst decision I could have made.”
