NBC Washington anchor Leon Harris is stepping away from the station to prioritize his health, according to an announcement made after viewers expressed concern about his appearance during a broadcast last week. The station shared the update on Harris’ condition during its evening news program and on social media on December 2.

“Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the statement said. “We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern.”

According to TODAY, during NBC Washington’s Thanksgiving broadcast on November 28, anchor Leon Harris (63) appeared to have difficulty delivering the evening news, stumbling over the teleprompter as he read a report. He was quickly taken off the air just minutes into the segment, sparking concern among viewers and on social media. No further information on what kind of health condition Harris is suffering from has been provided.

Per The New York Post, “Harris, who has been with the local affiliate since 2017, previously spoke about his struggles with alcohol in March 2022 after he was sentenced to 10 days in jail for crashing into another car while driving under the influence. He was pulled off the air, as a result of his legal trouble, for a period of time.”

Leon Harris is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor at NBC Washington, known for his dedication to delivering compelling and accurate news. A native of Akron, Ohio, Harris graduated from Ohio University, where he earned a degree in communication and broadcast journalism.

Harris launched his career at CNN in Atlanta, where he spent over two decades rising through the ranks, from an entry-level position in the network’s technical operations center to becoming a prominent news anchor. During his time at CNN, he reported on major global events, earning multiple accolades, including two Emmy Awards for his outstanding coverage.

In 2003, Harris transitioned to local news, joining WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C. His engaging style and commitment to community issues quickly made him a trusted voice in the region. In 2017, he joined NBC Washington, anchoring the station’s evening newscasts and contributing to its investigative reporting team.

Beyond the newsroom, Harris is deeply involved in community outreach, frequently working with local charities and youth mentoring programs. A devoted family man, Harris resides in the D.C. area with his wife and children.