MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski mugged in Washington

As the show began her co-host Joe Scarborough announced on their program what had just happened to his co-host. Describing what happened without disclosing the location on air he detailed the mugging and complained the bell desk should have been paying attention.

"A guy walks across the street straight for her," Mr. Scarborough said, adding the hotel should "at least police five feet outside their doors."

Brzezinski said she gave the mugger the $6 in cash she had with her, adding that he asked her for $20 and said something along the lines of "Give me the money and nothing will happen."

Washington Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, who had been scheduled to appear to talk about education and plans for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, told the hosts the matter would be investigated.