A man broke into the studio of NBC’s Today Show and hurled a racial slur at co-anchor Craig Melvin.
The man, who entered the studio unauthorized at Rockefeller Plaza on June 16, has since been arraigned, and co-anchors Craig Melvin and Al Roker have acquired temporary restraining orders.
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According to People, 41-year-old Andrew Truelove has been charged with third-degree burglary as a hate crime and third-degree menacing as a hate crime after allegedly confronting Melvin inside the Today Show studios.
Prosecutors claim that Truelove gained entry to the employees-only access area and followed a staff member to enter the studio. As he confronted Melvin with racial abuse, the court documents report the latter saying, “That’s what you wanted to get arrested for?”
Truelove reportedly asked for Al Roker when he entered, but flung the racial slur at his co-anchor. The court has ordered temporary restraining orders for both and set a $10,000 bail for the intruder. Latest online jail records show that the man failed to post bail and remains in custody at Rikers Island. According to authorities, he may face up to 15 years in prison. The next scheduled court date is July 22.
The incident was briefly addressed on The Today Show, where Melvin reassured viewers that they were safe. He said, “Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly, he was placed under arrest. We are cooperating fully with NYPD as they investigate the matter, and we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
Both Melvin and Roker have copiously thanked social media viewers for their concern. Rocker said that these are the moments that “pull us together.”
NBC has confirmed in a statement that there was a break-in at the studio, but the incident resulted in no altercation, and all those involved are safe. They also claimed to be cooperating with law enforcement to reach a favourable closure.
Melvin has served as a co-anchor of Today since 2025, while veteran broadcaster Roker has been one of the morning show’s most recognizable personalities for decades.
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