Melvin did not address the frightening incident during Thursday’s “Today” broadcast.Melvin did not address the frightening incident during Thursday’s “Today” broadcast.
The “Today” show released a statement after a maniac broke into the studio and confronted Craig Melvin on Thursday.
“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 statement began.
The NBC show confirmed the trespasser “was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident,” and that there was no “altercation” or injuries.
“TODAY is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter,” the statement continued. “NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously.”
The program added that they’re “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.”
Page Six confirmed a man slipped past security at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City and asked Melvin, 47, for Al Roker after being unable to find the weatherman.
We were told the intruder, who was wearing a backpack, got as far as the staircase inside the studio, but did not enter the actual studio.
After Melvin called security, the man was detained and arrested.
TMZ — who was the first to break the news — reported that the intruder lunged at Melvin and screamed a racial slur at him.
Melvin and Roker, 71, went on the air about 15 minutes later and didn’t address the encounter, according to the outlet.
The New York Police Department also confirmed to Page Six that they have someone in custody.
“On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 0919 hours, it was reported to officers that there was a disorderly person inside 30 Rockefeller Center, within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct,” a statement read.
A source also told us the “Today” staff is “already on edge because of Savannah, and this is chilling,” referencing the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie.
“He could have stabbed Craig. He could have planted a bomb. It’s f–king insane,” the insider continued, also noting that Rockefeller Center is a “difficult place for security because it’s really a public place.”
On Thursday’s “Today,” Melvin interviewed Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland about their roles in the new Christopher Nolan movie “The Odyssey.”
Additionally, Savannah, 54, shared the news that she’s off the show “for the next few weeks” to film the upcoming Wordle show executive produced by Jimmy Fallon.
“I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’ll probably air, I think, in the new year,” Savannah shared.
Melvin told his co-host, “We’re going to lose you for a minute, though.”
Savannah took a two-month hiatus from “Today” earlier this year after her mom went missing from her Tuscon, Arizona, home on Feb. 1.
Authorities believe the 84-year-old was kidnapped.
Savannah returned to the show on April 6, and Melvin told her at the desk, “It’s good to have you back at home.”
Sources told Page Six at the time the “Today” hosts were instructed not to address Nancy’s disappearance on Savannah’s first day back.
“It was supposed to be business as usual. [Producers] said to act totally normal,” an insider shared. “‘Move forward’ is the vibe. It’s been a hard year and a draining time.”
Melvin began co-hosting the first two hours of “Today” with Savannah in January 2025. He replaced Hoda Kotb following the veteran journalist’s retirement.
When Melvin’s new gig was announced in November 2024, Kotb told him: “You were made for this job.”
“You have all the things that this job needs,” Kotb added. “You’re the right person for it.”
