Tim Russert Dead at 58

NBC Washington bureau chief Tim Russert, perhaps the most influential television journalist in D.C., died this afternoon of a heart attack. He was 58. MSNBC has the news as well as a biography of the longtime Meet the Press host, known for his tough questioning and use of "gotcha" quotations, here.

Update, 4:06 p.m.: Statements from NBC News president Steve Capus and NBC Universal president Jeff Zucker:

Capus:

"This is a loss for the entire nation. Everyone at NBC News is in shock and absolutely devastated. He was our respected colleague, mentor, and dear friend. Words can not express our heartbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen, Luke, Big Russ [Tim's father and the subject of his 2004 book] and all of Tim's family."

Zucker:

"We are heartbroken at the sudden passing of Tim Russert. We have lost a beloved member of our NBC Universal family and the news world has lost one of its finest. The enormity of this loss cannot be overstated. More than a journalist, Tim was a remarkable family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Maureen, their son, Luke, and Tim's entire extended family."

-----

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images for Meet the Press