NBC News has fired a security guard accused of allowing a crazy man to appear on the “Today” show, Page Six has learned.
On Thursday morning, an intruder looking for Al Roker broke into the “Today” show studio and was arrested after being confronted by Craig Melvin.
According to sources, security video shows two security guards on duty when the horrific break-in occurred. In the tape, one of the guards leaves and the other guard misses the intruder breaking in.
It’s unclear which security guard lost his job in the security fiasco, but officials said the program staff was saddened to learn of the firing because the guard was a popular figure in the building.
A representative for Today declined to comment.
Page Six earlier confirmed that the intruder bypassed security at the NBC show’s New York headquarters and questioned Roker, 71, after failing to find Melvin, 47.
When this maniac approached Melvin, he even approached the stairs inside the studio, but our sources confirmed that he did not go into the actual filming studio.
Melvin called security and the man was detained and arrested.
New York City police confirmed to Page Six that the man, who identified himself as Andrew Truelove, was arrested earlier in the day and booked on numerous charges, including hate crime threatening, hate crime robbery, hate crime criminal trespassing and harassment charges.
The Post confirmed through police and sources that the 41-year-old called Melvin the “N-word” during the incident, which occurred just before 9 a.m.
Melvin let fans know he was safe on Instagram after the incident, writing, “Hey everyone. I’ve had so many people reach out to me in the last few hours. I’m fine. Thank you for reaching out.”
He also said he had not taken any leave after the horrific crash.
“Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow,” he wrote.
The Today show also released a statement regarding the incident, saying it was “reviewing the incident and our security protocols.”
“Today we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this matter,” the statement said. “NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests very seriously.”
The program added that it is “committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who works in or visits our studios.”
