Fox News disputes story Shep Smith was escorted out of the building by security

[Editor's Note: A previous version of this story reported that Shep Smith was escorted out of the building by Fox News security. Fox News disputes this claim and the tweet it was based on has been deleted.]

While it was announced that Shep Smith was resigning, effective immediately, the resignation looked a lot more hostile, according to some sources.

According to NBC News correspondent Jo Ling Kent, sources said the majority of the Fox News staff were shocked by the move and had no idea. It certainly showed on the faces of host Neil Cavuto and correspondent John Roberts, who described the news as being hit by a subway train. Cavuto gushed about what a great person Smith is.

Smith has worked at Fox News since it's inception in 1996 and has served as a debunker of conspiracy theories opinion hosts at his own network peddled on their shows.

"It is my hope that the facts will win the day, that the truth will always matter," Smith said as he signed off his final show.

"Shep’s exit from the building was planned and executed by Shep with Fox’s complete approval and the full support of FOX News – he was not remotely escorted out," a Fox News spokesperson said.