Fox News Colleagues Shocked, Saddened by Shepard Smith’s Departure

FOX News host Shepard Smith poses on the red carpet upon arrival at a salute to FOX News Channel's Brit Hume in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 8, 2009. Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images

Fox News personalities were stunned after anchor Shepard Smith announced on the air Friday that he’s leaving the network after 23 years.

“I first worked with Shep on my first assignment at Fox News almost 23 years ago. It was a total shock today to find out he’s leaving,” Fox News anchor Bret Baier wrote on Twitter. “He anchored breaking news -fast-moving events —better than anyone. I wish him well in whatever lies ahead.”