A man accused of slipping into a restricted area at 30 Rockefeller Center approached Craig Melvin near NBC’s Studio 1A and directed a racial slur at the “Today” co-host, authorities said. Security detained the man within seconds, and Melvin later said he was “safe and sound.”
The episode raised fresh concerns about access controls at the heavily secured Manhattan building, where staff members said badges are generally checked or swiped multiple times. NBC said it was reviewing the incident and its security protocols after the breach.
Charges Filed After Restricted-Area Entry
Andrew Truelove, 41, appeared before a judge Friday on charges of third-degree burglary and third-degree menacing as hate crimes. According to the criminal complaint cited by CNN, investigators said he entered the lobby shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday and followed an employee through a card-access point.
Authorities said Truelove was at the bottom of a stairwell when he saw Melvin and asked for “Today” weather and feature anchor Al Roker. He then moved toward Melvin and used a racial slur, according to the complaint.
| Stage | What Authorities Said Happened | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday morning | Truelove allegedly entered a restricted area after following an employee through card access. | He encountered Melvin near Studio 1A. |
| Seconds later | Melvin followed him from the stairwell and alerted security. | Security detained him before an NYPD detail arrested him. |
| Friday court appearance | Truelove faced burglary and menacing charges classified as hate crimes. | He was ordered held on $10,000 bail or a $10,000 partially secured bond. |
Melvin Says Everyone Is Safe
Melvin addressed the incident during Friday’s broadcast, saying an intruder had entered an unauthorized area in Studio 1A. “Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly,” Melvin said, adding that the show was cooperating with the NYPD.
The criminal complaint also described an exchange after the arrest in which Melvin asked the man whether that was what he wanted to be arrested for. The complaint said Truelove responded that he had wanted to use the slur against a Black famous person.
NBC Reviews Security Protocols
NBC said the safety of employees, talent, staff and guests is taken “extremely seriously.” The network said it was cooperating with law enforcement while reviewing what happened at its studios.
Several NBC employees told CNN they were shocked by the breach because of the security presence at 30 Rockefeller Center, where a World Cup Fan Zone event is taking place. Major networks maintain security teams that provide physical protection, monitor online threats and coordinate with local police.
Security at the Today show had already been increased in February as Savannah Guthrie’s colleagues covered the abduction of her mother, Nancy. Network sources said those measures were adopted out of caution as hosts discussed the case on air.
Truelove did not enter a plea during his Friday appearance, according to a spokesman for the Manhattan District Attorney. A full temporary order of protection was issued, and he is due back in court July 22.
