Today co-host Craig Melvin spoke out during Friday’s segment after a man reportedly entered the NBC studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, confronted Melvin and shouted racial slurs at him.
“You may have heard that, unfortunately, an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here in Studio 1A. Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest. We are cooperating fully with the NYPD as they investigate the matter, and we are just very happy that everyone is safe,” Melvin, 47, said, according to The Independent.
Details on the man and how he stormed NBC studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Andrew Truelove, 41, was arrested and charged with hate crime-burglary, hate crime-menacing, hate crime-criminal trespass and harassment following the Thursday morning incident.
Authorities said Truelove entered a restricted area of the studio, confronted Melvin and shouted racial insults at him. A police source said he was initially looking for fellow Today host Al Roker before getting past security, according to People and The Independent.
“It was reported to officers that there was a disorderly person inside 30 Rockefeller Center, within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct,” a police spokesperson told The Independent in a statement. “Officers responded and placed an unidentified individual into custody.”
Truelove has an extensive criminal history. In June, he pleaded guilty to felony criminal mischief in connection with a separate case involving damage to multiple vehicles. He was sentenced to six months in jail, five years of probation and ordered to pay $375 in fees. He is due back in court on July 22, according to court records obtained by People and The Independent.
He also has three pending criminal cases in New York, where he has pleaded not guilty to charges including misdemeanor assault, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass on railroad property and trespassing.
What did Craig Melvin and NBC News’ Today say about the incident?
On Thursday afternoon, Melvin took to social media to speak out about the incident, assuring supporters that he was doing well.
“Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow,” he said in a post shared on his Instagram account.
NBC News’ Today also released 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 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.”