Craig Melvin addresses ‘Today’ intruder incident on air: ‘Safe and sound’

Today show cohost Craig Melvin returned to his seat on Friday morning following a security breach at Studio 1A. On Thursday, an intruder bypassed building security to enter an unauthorized vestibule, where he confronted Melvin and allegedly used racial slurs before being apprehended by law enforcement.

Melvin spoke directly to viewers at the start of Friday's broadcast. He confirmed that he is safe and sound and noted that the network is fully cooperating with the NYPD investigation. The individual, identified as 41-year-old Andrew Truelove, remains in custody. He faces multiple charges, including burglary as a hate crime, menacing as a hate crime, criminal trespass as a hate crime, and harassment.

In the aftermath of the event, NBC has initiated a review of its security protocols at Rockefeller Plaza. Reports indicate that at least one security guard was fired as a direct result of the lapse. The network stated that it remains committed to maintaining a secure environment for all staff and visitors.

Melvin, who joined NBC News in 2011 and became a permanent cohost on Today in 2019, expressed his gratitude for the messages of support received since the incident. The show continues to operate under heightened security measures while the investigation into how the intruder gained access proceeds.