During the July 16 live airing of the Today show, an intruder broke into the studio.
A man somehow snuck his way past security at Rockefeller Plaza at around 9 a.m. and he managed to get to the studio where the TV hosts film the popular daytime show.
He allegedly requested Al Roker, however, when he wasn’t able to locate the TV host, he allegedly lunged at Craig Melvin, while allegedly yelling out a racial slur, TMZ claims.
Security and staff members detained and arrested the intruder, who was identified as being white and was unarmed.
Law enforcement believes that the man may have made his way into the studio through a stairwell, and managed to get backstage right by the journalists’ dressing room.
The dangerous encounter did not make it on air, however, when Today‘s Third Hour began, Dylan Dreyer and Al were the only ones who appeared on camera – notably without Craig.
The duo kept the show going and information about the concerning incident was not shared with viewers, who were in the dark about the situation that had just played out.
Around 15 minutes into the show, Craig joined the pair on camera but didn’t mention anything about the incident either. Law enforcement is currently investigating the situation.
© Getty ImagesThe Today show responded to HELLO!‘s request for comment with the following statement: “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 person approached anchor Craig Melvin, who alerted security. The individual was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident. There was no altercation, and no one was injured.”
The statement continued: “TODAY is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter. 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.”
Prior to the situation
Prior to the situation, Craig had interviewed Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland live on-air, in anticipation of their new film The Odyssey.
Craig moved the A-lister to tears when he surprised Anne with an adorable Trojan-themed knitted headpiece, diaper bottom, shoes and cape for her baby-to-be.
The journalist credited Alex and Lyle from Today’s wardrobe team for creating the customized gift.
Anne expressed: “This is appropriately epic. Thank you so much. This is amazing,” as Craig shared: “Congratulations on the film that you’ve created and the life that you’re creating as well.”
© TodaySavannah Guthrie’s big news
Earlier on the daytime show, Savannah Guthrie announced to viewers that she will be stepping away for the “next few weeks.”
The TV star revealed that big plans are in motion, as she shared: “We’re about to do it. Guys, I’m headed over to shoot Wordle over the next few weeks. We’re going to shoot the whole season and we’re super excited.”
Savannah will serve as the host for the upcoming game show, and Jimmy Fallon is the executive producer behind it.
© Getty ImagesShe continued: “I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’ll probably air, I think, in the new year.”
Savannah’s co-stars shared their excitement, as Carson Daly expressed that he “can’t wait,” and Sheinelle Jones recalled: “[I remember] when Wordle hit the Today show and we became obsessed.”
Craig concluded: “We’re going to lose you for a minute, though.”
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