In his farewell broadcast as NBC anchor, Brian Williams sounds a cautionary note about the encroaching darkness

After nearly three decades as the face of NBC news, Brian Williams bid adieu on Thursday during his final episode of The 11th Hour on MSNBC. Amidst the heartfelt tributes and fond reminiscences from former colleagues and regular guests, Williams delivered a sobering message.

“My foremost concern is for the state of our nation,” Williams remarked. “I don’t subscribe to any particular ideology; I am, fundamentally, an advocate for our institutions. My allegiance to this country is unwavering, but the shadows lurking on the outskirts of society have now infiltrated our streets and communities.”

“Individuals entrusted with upholding our constitution, elected by the people, possessing credentials that I could only aspire to, have chosen to forsake their principles and embrace a destructive fervor, hoping that we will forget their true selves,” Williams lamented. “They are willing to dismantle everything we hold dear, oblivious to the peril it poses, akin to a veteran firefighter watching his own station burn.”

While Williams expressed no concrete plans post-MSNBC, he hinted at the possibility of returning to the screen in the future. He confessed, “It’s unlikely that I’ll be able to remain silent and distant from the allure of television and the spotlight after a period of reflection to rediscover what I’ve overlooked and what lies ahead.”

In the twilight of his journalistic career, Williams faced adversity, notably his suspension and subsequent reassignment from NBC’s flagship Nightly News for embellishing an account of his experience in Iraq. Despite this professional setback, he remains a cherished figure in broadcast journalism, as evidenced by the widespread popularity of his rap performances on The Tonight Show.

“As a proud native of New Jersey, I can confidently say, I’ve had my share of regrets, though too few to enumerate,” Williams reflected in his final moments on air. “What an extraordinary journey it has been. Where else but in this field could a humble kid like me have rubbed shoulders with presidents, monarchs, and the occasional rock legend?”