A frightening security scare unfolded at NBC’s Today show Thursday morning after an intruder allegedly slipped past security and made his way near the show’s anchors at Rockefeller Plaza.
The incident happened at around 9 a.m. during the July 16 live broadcast, when a man somehow entered an unauthorized area near Studio 1A, where the popular morning show is filmed.
According to TMZ, the man was allegedly looking for Al Roker. When he was unable to find the longtime weather anchor, he reportedly approached Craig Melvin and allegedly shouted a racial slur while lunging toward him.
NBC later disputed parts of that account, saying there was no physical altercation and no one was injured.
“There was a security incident this morning at the TODAY show studio,” the network said in a statement. “An individual entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A. The person approached anchor Craig Melvin, who alerted security.”
Security personnel detained the man before law enforcement officers took him into custody without further incident. Authorities said the suspect, who was described as white, was unarmed.
Investigators believe he may have entered through a stairwell before reaching a backstage area near the anchors’ dressing rooms.
The disturbing encounter did not appear on the live broadcast, and viewers were given no indication that anything unusual had happened behind the scenes.
When the third hour of Today began, Dylan Dreyer and Al Roker appeared on camera without Melvin. The pair continued with the show as usual and did not mention the security scare.
Melvin joined them approximately 15 minutes later but also did not address the incident.
NBC said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing how the man managed to enter the restricted area.
“NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously,” the statement continued. “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.”
Earlier in the broadcast, Melvin interviewed Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland about their upcoming film The Odyssey.
During the segment, he surprised Hathaway with a Trojan-themed knitted outfit for her baby, complete with a headpiece, cape, shoes and diaper cover. Melvin credited Alex and Lyle from the Today wardrobe department with creating the custom gift.
“This is appropriately epic. Thank you so much. This is amazing,” Hathaway said.
Melvin congratulated her on both the movie and her growing family, telling her, “Congratulations on the film that you’ve created and the life that you’re creating as well.”
The broadcast also included a major announcement from Savannah Guthrie, who revealed that she will be leaving Today temporarily to film the upcoming game show Wordle.
“We’re about to do it. Guys, I’m headed over to shoot Wordle over the next few weeks,” Guthrie said. “We’re going to shoot the whole season and we’re super excited.”
Guthrie will host the series, which is being executive produced by Jimmy Fallon. She said the show is expected to premiere sometime in the new year.
Her co-stars celebrated the announcement, although Melvin noted that the Today team would be without her for a while.
“We’re going to lose you for a minute, though,” he said.