NBC4 announced Monday afternoon that veteran news anchor Leon Harris “will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues.”
Harris was taken off the air during the 6 p.m. broadcast Thanksgiving Day after struggling to read his stories. Viewers expressed concern on social media.
NBC4’s full statement on X: “We have an update to share with you about our colleague Leon Harris. Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will 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. We thank you for your concern.”
Harris, 63, served 10 days in jail after an arrest on Jan. 29, 2022 for driving under the influence of alcohol after a car crash on Bradley Boulevard near River Road in Bethesda. The former ABC7 and CNN anchor was relieved of his anchoring duties but was reinstated several weeks later.
In an emotional interview with his NBC4 on-air colleague Doreen Gentzler in 2022, Harris shared the story of what happened the night of the accident and how he intended to try to earn back people’s trust.
“In my condition I could kill somebody. I was actually more impaired than I thought I was…I know I let so many people down,” Harris told Gentzler.
An update about our colleague Leon Harris. pic.twitter.com/dzUEe96Qa4
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) December 2, 2024
