Al Roker Addresses Today Show Intruder Incident
Al Roker has spoken out following the arrest of an intruder who lunged at Craig Melvin on the Today show set.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who reached out over the past 24 hours to check on my brother, @craigmelvinnbc,” Roker, 71, posted on Instagram on Friday, July 17. “We are both fine.”
The meteorologist expressed his gratitude to Today viewers for their overwhelming support.
“It’s moments like these that unite us,” he added. “You all, like Craig, say ‘You come after one of us, you come after all of us.’ We’ll discuss this morning on @todayshow.”
Reports emerged on Thursday, July 16, that a man—identified as 41-year-old Andrew Truelove—was taken into custody after sneaking into the morning show’s studio in New York City. Initially searching for Roker, Truelove allegedly lunged at Melvin, 47, while shouting a racial slur.
During the incident, Melvin and Roker were cohosting with Savannah Guthrie and Dylan Dreyer. The Today show later released a statement providing more details on the situation.
“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 statement disclosed. “The person approached anchor Craig Melvin, who notified security. The individual was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident. No altercation occurred, and no one was injured.”
The statement continued, “TODAY is fully cooperating with law enforcement during their investigation. NBC and TODAY take the safety of our employees, talent, staff, and guests very seriously. We are reviewing the incident and our security protocols and remain committed to providing a safe environment for everyone at our studios.”
Several outlets have reported that a security guard was terminated following the breach. Meanwhile, Truelove is facing multiple charges, including hate crime, criminal trespass, and harassment, and has yet to be arraigned.
Melvin shared his thoughts on the alarming event in a brief Instagram message on Thursday.
“Hello everyone. I’ve received messages from many of you over the past few hours. I’m doing well,” he stated. “Thank you for your concern. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow.”
During Friday’s live broadcast, Melvin reassured viewers he was “safe and sound.”
“I want to take a moment to discuss an incident that occurred yesterday,” Melvin said while seated with Carson Daly, Laura Jarrett, and Roker.
He continued, “Unfortunately, an intruder entered an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A. Thankfully, he was quickly apprehended and placed under arrest.”
Melvin wrapped up by providing an update on the case, stating, “We are fully cooperating with the NYPD as they continue their investigation, and we are just relieved that everyone is safe.”
