The “Today” show released a statement after a maniac broke into the studio and confronted Craig Melvin on Thursday.
“A security incident occurred this morning at the TODAY Show studio. An individual entered an unauthorized area of the vestibule near Studio 1A. The individual approached anchor Craig Melvin and security alerted him,” the statement began.
The NBC program confirmed that the trespasser was “taken into custody and taken into custody by law enforcement without incident” and that there was no “altercation” or injury.
“Today we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this matter,” the statement continued. “NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests very seriously.”
The program added: “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.”
Page Six has confirmed that Melvin, 47, called Al Roker after a man slipped through security at New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza and couldn’t find the weatherman.
The intruder wearing a backpack reached the stairs inside the studio, but did not actually enter the 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 collision reportedly 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,” the NYPD said in a statement to Page Six. “Responding officers then entered the building and took the individual into custody without incident.”
The NYPD added: “There are no reports of injuries and the investigation remains ongoing. Charges are pending.”
TMZ, which first broke the news, reported that the intruder lunged at Melvin and continued to yell racial slurs at him.
Melvin and Roker, 71, went on air about 15 minutes later, but did not mention the encounter, the paper said.
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.
One source also mentioned the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, saying Today staffers were “already nervous because of Savannah and this is horrifying.”
“He could have stabbed Craig. He could have planted a bomb. This is just insane,” the source continued, noting that Rockefeller Center is “a difficult place to police because it’s a really public place.”
On Thursday’s “Today,” Melvin interviewed Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland about their roles in Christopher Nolan’s new film “The Odyssey.”
Additionally, Savannah, 54, shared the news that she will be taking a break from the show for “the next few weeks” to film the upcoming Wardle show, which is executive produced by Jimmy Fallon.
“I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It will probably air in the new year,” Savannah said.
Melvin told his co-hosts, “We’re going to lose you for a little while.”
Savannah took a two-month hiatus from Today earlier this year after her mother went missing from her home in Tuscon, Arizona, on February 1st.
Authorities believe the 84-year-old man was abducted.
Savannah returned to the show on April 6, and Melvin told her at his desk, “It’s good to have you back home.”
Sources told Page Six that Today’s hosts at the time were instructed not to mention Nancy’s disappearance on her first day back in Savannah.
“It was supposed to be business as usual.[The producers]told us to act completely normal,” the source said. “The atmosphere is ‘move on.’ It’s been a tough year and a draining time.”
Melvin began co-hosting the first two hours of Today with Savannah in January 2025. Melvin was appointed to replace Hoda Kotb upon the veteran journalist’s retirement.
When Melvin’s new job was announced in November 2024, Kotub told Melvin: “You were born for this job.”
“You have everything you need for this job,” Kotb added. “You deserve it.”
