Intruder Arrested After Storming Set of Today Show: Report
An intruder was reportedly apprehended after breaching the set of the Today show on Thursday, July 16.
As per TMZ, an unidentified individual managed to enter the set in New York City, seeking out meteorologist Al Roker. When unable to locate Roker, 71, the person allegedly confronted Craig Melvin instead. The suspect reportedly lunged at Melvin, 47, and shouted a racial slur.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Thursday, following Melvin’s cohosting duties for the first and third hours of the show alongside Savannah Guthrie, Dylan Dreyer, and Roker. The individual was subsequently taken into custody backstage.
Melvin has not publicly commented on the incident, although Today released a statement within hours.
“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 NBC morning show shared in a statement to Us Weekly. “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 injuries were reported. 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.”
After his role in the 3rd Hour Today, Melvin was announced as Hoda Kotb’s replacement for the main broadcast in November 2024 following her departure.
“I want to, obviously, thank NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy,” he expressed at the time, sharing his excitement and gratitude about following in Kotb’s footsteps. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
The Today crew immediately rallied around Melvin after the announcement.
“Craig is so awesome, people were cheering when they got the staff email,” a source exclusively told Us. “He’s the best — everybody is so excited for him.”
A second insider added, “He is truly one of the nicest, most humble, generous people. People are overwhelmingly happy for him. The good guy won.”
Before the alleged incident on Thursday, Melvin reported on air quality warnings and the 2026 World Cup, along with conducting an interview with The Odyssey co-stars Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. Melvin ended the segment by presenting Hathaway, 43, with a basket of gifts for her newborn. (The Oscar winner and her husband, Adam Shulman, are expecting their third child.)
“This is not something you can find in stores. When the child arrives, we wanted the child ready for battle,” he exclaimed, showcasing a knitted infant costume. “It is a Trojan outfit, custom designed for the baby.”
Melvin shared that “Alex and Lyle from wardrobe” designed the unique onesie for Hathaway’s child.
“So, Tom, when you have your child,” Melvin later joked after Holland, 30, called the gift “cute.”
Holland, who is married to The Odyssey co-star Zendaya, added, “I’ll know where to come.”
