Craig Melvin Discusses Recent Intruder Incident on Today Show
Craig Melvin provided a personal update regarding his safety following an incident involving an intruder on the Today show set.
“I want to take a moment to discuss an incident that occurred yesterday,” Melvin, 47, stated during the Friday, July 17, episode of the NBC morning program while joined by Carson Daly, Laura Jarrett, and Al Roker.
“You may have heard that, unfortunately, an intruder accessed an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A,” he continued. “Fortunately, he was apprehended swiftly [and] placed under arrest.”
Melvin added: “We are fully cooperating with the NYPD as they investigate this situation, and we are genuinely relieved that everyone is safe.”
Jarrett, 42, emphasized that Melvin’s safety was of utmost importance, and he reassured his colleagues — as well as viewers at home — that he is “safe and sound.”
On Thursday, July 16, reports surfaced about a man — later identified as 41-year-old Andrew Truelove — being arrested after gaining access to the New York City set.
Truelove allegedly asked for Roker, 71, before confronting Melvin instead, reportedly lunging at him and shouting a racial slur.
Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker at NBC’s upfront presentation. Virginia Sherwood/NBCUniversal
The incident occurred after Melvin co-hosted the first and third segments of the Today show with Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Dylan Dreyer. It was not captured on camera.
“There was a security incident this morning at the TODAY show studio. A person entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A,” read a statement from the Today show on Thursday. “The individual approached anchor Craig Melvin, who alerted security. The individual was subsequently detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident. There was no altercation, and no one was injured.”
The statement further noted, “TODAY is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate the incident. NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff, and guests very seriously. We are reviewing the incident and our security protocols and remain committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone who works at and visits our studios.”
Melvin addressed the incident later that same day.
“Hey everyone. I’ve received messages from so many of you in the past few hours. I’m doing just fine,” he shared via Instagram. “Thanks for checking in. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow.”
Multiple reports indicated that a security guard was terminated after the intruder managed to pass through at the morning show studio. Truelove faces several charges, including a hate crime, criminal trespass, and harassment, among others.
