An intruder with a lengthy criminal history slipped past security at NBC studios in New York City Thursday, allegedly “lunged” at Today co-host Craig Melvin, and used a racial slur.
The New York Police Department described the man as “disorderly” in a statement to Urban Hollywood 411.
“On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 0857 hours, an officer assigned to 30 Rockefeller Center within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct was alerted to a disorderly individual inside the building,” the statement read. “The responding officer entered into the building and placed the individual in custody without incident.”
Police identified the suspect as Andrew Truelove, 41, of Manhattan. He faces charges of Hate Crime/Burglary, Hate Crime/Menacing, Hate Crime/Criminal Trespass and Harassment, according to the NYPD.
Truelove allegedly entered an “unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A” at Rockefeller Center, according to NBC News. After getting inside the building, he reportedly approached Melvin, who alerted security and police were notified.
“Today is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter,” the show said.
Citing law enforcement sources, TMZ reported Truelove initially asked for Al Roker after using a street-level entrance and getting past security. When he couldn’t find Roker, he allegedly “lunged” at Melvin and called the morning news anchor the “N-word.” The suspect was unarmed and no one was injured.
About 15 minutes after the incident, Melvin and Roker appeared live on air, and did not mention the security breach.
Court records obtained by NBC News and TMZ showed Truelove is no stranger to local law enforcement. He recently pleaded guilty to felony criminal mischief for damaging multiple vehicles. He was sentenced last month to six months in jail, five years of probation, and ordered to pay $375.
He currently has three pending criminal cases. Records show Truelove pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault in one case. He also faces separate charges for reckless endangerment, criminal trespassing on railroad property and trespassing.
As questions arise as to how someone could just walk into the Today studios, NBC said the network is reviewing its security measures.
“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,” the network said.
Melvin, 47, has been a member of the Today on-air team since 2018. He was promoted last year to co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
