NBC News punishes reporter behind viral Paul Pelosi report that the network later scrubbed: Report

NBC News reportedly suspended an on-air reporter over a report about the Paul Pelosi attack that the network later retracted.

What is the background?

On Nov. 4, NBC News correspondent Miguel Almaguer reported that Paul Pelosi gave police no indication that he was in danger when they responded to his residence. The report was based on Almaguer's sources.

Almaguer explained:

After a "knock and announce," the front door was opened by Mr. Pelosi. The 82-year-old did not immediately declare an emergency or tried to leave his home but instead began walking several feet back into the foyer toward the assailant and away from police. It's unclear if the 82-year-old was already injured or what his mental state was, say sources.

The report quickly circulated on social media. And without explanation, NBC News later scrubbed it from all network platforms.

"The piece should not have aired because it did not meet NBC News reporting standards," NBC News said in a statement.

The network, however, did not explain what about the report failed to meet its editorial standards, nor did the company explain how the story managed to air if the story did not go through proper vetting channels.

What happened to Almaguer?

The Daily Beast reported that NBC News suspended Almaguer and is conducting an investigation.

The network has not officially confirmed the suspension, and company representatives refused to comment about internal personnel issues, but Almaguer indeed has not appeared on NBC's airwaves since his Paul Pelosi report.

Almaguer's profile on NBC News' website has also been scrubbed.

The lack of transparency about Almaguer and the removed story is generating criticism among even people who formally worked at NBC News.

"NBC News must be more transparent with its viewers about this error. Who wrote Miguel’s script? Who approved the script? Are he and his producers suspended during an internal investigation?" said a former network executive who spoke to Fox News.

"NBC’s silence on this matter speaks volumes," the former exec added. "NBC owes it to its audience to be truthful and not cover this up."