Craig Melvin returned to the Today show one day after an intruder allegedly confronted him in the studio.
Craig Melvin was back on the Today show on Friday (17.07.26)
The 47-year-old presenter had promised to be back on set for Friday’s (17.07.26) episode just 24 hours after a man identified as Andrew Truelove broke into the Rockefeller Plaza studio in New York City and allegedly began yelling racial slurs at him after slipping past security.
This morning, Craig told viewers: “I want to take a quick moment to address an incident that happened yesterday.
“You may have heard that unfortunately an intruder made his way into an unauthorised area here at Studio 1A.
“Thankfully he was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest.
“We are cooperating fully with NYPD as they investigate the matter, and we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
Presenter Laura Jarrett, who was filling in for Today star Savannah Guthrie, added: “We want to make sure that you’re safe.”
Craig responded: “Safe and sound.”
The 41-year-old intruder has been charged with hate crime – burglary, hate crime – menacing, hate crime – criminal trespass, and harassment following the incident, the New York Police Department (NYPD) have confirmed.
Court records seen by People magazine showed Truelove was sentenced to six months in jail, five years of probation and $375 just last month after pleading guilty to felony criminal mischief in relation to an incident involving damage to multiple cars. He also has three pending criminal cases in which he has pleaded not guilty to charges including misdemeanour assault, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass on railroad property and trespassing.
NBC News have spoken about the incident, and vowed to review their security procedures.
They said in a statement: “There was a security incident this morning at the TODAY show studio.
“An individual entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A. The person approached anchor Craig Melvin, who alerted security.
“The individual was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident. There was no altercation, and no one was injured.
“TODAY is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they I investigate the matter. NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously.
“We are reviewing the incident and our security protocols and remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who works at and visits our studios.”
Police had confirmed in an earlier statement that at around 8.57am, “an officer assigned to 30 Rockefeller Center within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct was alerted to a disorderly individual inside the building”.
They added: “Immediately thereafter, the responding officer entered into the building and placed the individual in custody without incident.
“There were no injuries reported, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.”
