Craig Melvin Says He’s ‘Safe and Sound’ After Intruder Breaches ‘Today’ Show Studio
“Today” show anchor Craig Melvin reassured viewers Friday that he was “safe and sound” after an intruder slipped past security at NBC’s headquarters and confronted him near the program’s New York City studio.
The security breach happened shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday, July 16, inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza while the morning show was still airing. No one was injured.
During the July 17 broadcast, Melvin said the intruder was quickly apprehended and that NBC was cooperating with the New York Police Department.
“We are just very happy that everyone is safe,” Melvin said.
When fill-in co-anchor Laura Jarrett asked how he was doing, Melvin responded, “Safe and sound.”
Intruder Allegedly Followed Employee Into Restricted Area
According to a criminal complaint released by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, 41-year-old Andrew Truelove allegedly entered the building’s lobby and followed closely behind an employee who used an identification badge to access an employees-only area.
Police said Truelove traveled upstairs and encountered Melvin near Studio 1A. The confrontation lasted approximately eight to 10 seconds.
Authorities said Melvin alerted security and chased the man back toward the lobby, where Rockefeller Center security personnel detained him. A police officer later arrested Truelove without incident.
“There was no altercation, and no one was injured,” NBC said in a statement.
NBC added that the network was reviewing the incident and its security protocols and remained committed to providing a safe environment for its employees, guests and studio visitors.
Suspect Accused of Using Racial Slur
Authorities allege Truelove yelled a racial slur at Melvin and demanded to know the location of longtime “Today” show weather anchor Al Roker.
Melvin, 47, and Roker, 71, were later granted temporary restraining orders against Truelove.
Truelove has been charged with burglary, menacing and criminal trespass as hate crimes, along with harassment, according to police and court records.
Reports indicate Truelove also has several pending New York cases involving allegations of assault, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing.
NBC Reportedly Fires Security Guard
The security failure has also resulted in disciplinary action inside NBC.
A security guard was fired after officials reviewed surveillance footage of the breach, sources told PEOPLE and Page Six. The footage reportedly showed two guards working near the entrance before one stepped away and Truelove passed the remaining guard.
“A security guard has been fired,” an insider told PEOPLE. “It’s a sad situation all around.”
NBC has not publicly identified the guard. Sources described the employee as a well-liked presence among people who worked in the building.
Melvin posted on Instagram hours after the incident that he was “doing just fine” and thanked viewers for checking on him.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow,” he wrote.
Melvin joined NBC in 2011 and became a “Today” news anchor in 2018. He was promoted to full-time co-host in 2025, succeeding Hoda Kotb in one of the network’s most visible positions.
