Security beefed up at Today after alleged Studio 1A breach
TMZ reports NBC has added private guards and NYPD officers outside Studio 1A after an alleged intruder confronted Craig Melvin.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
NBC has tightened security around the Today show’s Studio 1A after an alleged intruder got into a restricted backstage area and confronted anchor Craig Melvin, according to TMZ.
TMZ reported that video from Friday morning showed a much heavier security setup outside the Today plaza and the studio entrance in New York. The outlet said multiple private NBC security guards and NYPD officers were posted around the area, in addition to the usual staff.
Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ the added security is expected to remain in place. According to those sources, the network wants to prevent any repeat incident or copycat attempt after Thursday’s breach.
The stepped-up presence follows allegations involving Andrew Truelove, who TMZ reported entered through the Today plaza, got past security and reached a restricted backstage section. TMZ, citing its earlier reporting, said Truelove allegedly confronted Melvin and lunged at him while allegedly using the N-word.
Melvin addressed the incident briefly on Friday’s broadcast, according to TMZ. The anchor told viewers he was grateful a suspect had been arrested and that no one was hurt.
TMZ also reported that Melvin and Today weather anchor Al Roker have been granted court-ordered protection against Truelove. Truelove’s attorney, Lawrence Gerzog, told TMZ that a judge ordered Truelove to stay away from both hosts.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Truelove is barred from going near Melvin and Roker at NBC and at their homes. The outlet reported that Truelove is being held at Rikers Island on $20,000 bail while facing multiple hate crime charges.
No response from Truelove to the specific allegations was included in TMZ’s reporting, aside from the statement from his attorney about the stay-away order.
The Today plaza is a regular gathering spot for fans hoping to appear on the morning broadcast, making the public-facing space part of the show’s daily routine. TMZ’s reporting indicates NBC is now treating the area with a visibly stronger security posture after the alleged backstage breach.
The network has not been quoted in TMZ’s report on the new security measures. The outlet attributed the decision to sources with direct knowledge and said the increased presence outside Studio 1A is intended to be permanent.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.