On Thursday morning, an intruder looking for Al Roker broke into the “Today” show studio and was arrested after being confronted by Craig Melvin.
Page Six can confirm that the man slipped past security at the NBC show’s New York headquarters and asked for Roker, 71, after failing to find Melvin, 47.
The intruder, who was carrying a backpack, made his way up the stairs into the studio as he approached Melvin. Our sources confirmed that this maniac has not entered the actual filming studio.
Melvin called security and the man was detained and arrested.
The newspaper confirmed through police and sources that the man, 41, had called Melvin the N-word during the incident, which occurred just before 9 a.m.
The New York City Police Department also confirmed to Page Six that they have someone in custody.
“On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 9:19 a.m., officers received a report of a disorderly person within 30 Rockefeller Center, located on the grounds of the Midtown North Precinct,” the statement said.
“Officers responded and took an unidentified person into custody. There were no reports of injuries. The investigation is ongoing.”
The NYPD also confirmed that the interaction between the intruder and Melvin on the stairs lasted eight to 10 seconds.
“On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 8:57 a.m., uniformed officers assigned to 30 Rockefeller Center received a report of a disorderly individual in the building. Responding officers entered the building shortly thereafter and took the individual into custody without incident,” the NYPD said.
The statement added: “There are no reports of injuries and the investigation remains ongoing. Charges are pending.”
When asked for comment, the Today show confirmed that a “security incident” occurred this morning in which “an individual entered an unauthorized area of the vestibule near Studio 1A.”
The statement also acknowledged that Melvin “alerted security” after “the individual approached him.”
“Today we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this matter,” they added in a statement. “NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests very seriously. We are reviewing this incident and our security protocols and remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who works at or visits our studios.”
“They were already feeling tingly because of Savannah. This is horrifying,” the source said, also referring to the horrifying moment, referring to the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie.
“He could have stabbed Craig, he could have planted a bomb. It’s just insane,” the source said.
The official further said that 30 Rockefeller Center is a “difficult security location because it is actually a public space.”
“There is a coffee shop in the area which our staff use to get in and out of,” they said. “People come in with their entourages. Every celebrity brings about 12 people with them, so it’s not unusual for the whole group to go through security at once.”
A company insider said they “don’t think they don’t care,” adding, “It’s just a complicated place to do security. That said, I think they have a meeting today.”
After the incident, Melvin and Roker continued to broadcast, but did not hint at the circumstances.
TMZ, which first broke the news, reported that during the encounter, the intruder lunged at Melvin and continued to yell racial slurs at him.
The media also obtained a photo taken from inside the studio showing Melvin surrounded by people after the incident.
Melvin is planning to take a little vacation next week. However, this break was pre-planned and has nothing to do with the incident.
Melvin, who has been on the Today show since 2018, became Savannah’s co-anchor after Hoda Kotb left the show in 2025.
When the news was announced in November 2024, Kotb told Melvin, “You were born for this job.”
“You have everything you need for this job,” Kotb added. “You deserve it.”
During Thursday’s broadcast, Savannah also announced that she would be taking a break from the “Today” show for the next few weeks to film the Jimmy Fallon-produced Wardle Game show.
The 54-year-old took a break from her morning news show earlier this year after her mother was kidnapped.
Nancy, 84, was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 31st. Authorities are continuing to investigate her suspicions of kidnapping.
The Today family, including Melvin, has been supporting Savannah throughout this crisis.
