Man accused in Today show incident has felony conviction, TMZ reports
Andrew Truelove, identified by NBC News after the Studio 1A scare, has a recent felony conviction and pending New York cases, according to TMZ.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
The man accused of getting into a restricted area near NBC’s Studio 1A and approaching Today co-anchor Craig Melvin has been identified as Andrew Truelove, according to NBC News, and TMZ reports his record includes a recent felony conviction.
The Thursday morning incident brought security rushing in at the New York studio, according to TMZ. The outlet reported that a man entered from the plaza around 9 a.m., asked for Al Roker and, after failing to find him, allegedly confronted Melvin.
TMZ reported the man allegedly used the n-word and lunged at Melvin. NBC said in a statement cited by TMZ that the individual entered a vestibule near Studio 1A and approached Melvin, who alerted security.
NBC said there was no altercation, according to TMZ. The network also said it is reviewing what happened and looking at its security protocols.
TMZ reported that staff members and security personnel moved in, detained Truelove and that police later took him into custody. The outlet said he was unarmed and that no one was hurt.
Recent felony case
Court records obtained by TMZ show Truelove recently pleaded guilty to felony criminal mischief in a case tied to damage involving multiple vehicles.
According to TMZ’s account of the records, Truelove was sentenced last month to six months in jail and five years of probation. The records also listed $375 in fees, TMZ reported.
TMZ said it was not clear how much of that jail sentence Truelove had served before the alleged Studio 1A incident.
The outlet reported that Truelove was born in 1985.
Pending New York charges
TMZ also reported that Truelove has three pending criminal cases in New York.
According to records described by the outlet, Truelove has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault in one case. In separate cases, TMZ reported, he faces charges including reckless endangerment, criminal trespassing on railroad property and trespassing.
TMZ said Truelove has pleaded not guilty to those charges as well.
NBC News was first to identify the man as Truelove, according to TMZ. The reports did not include a public comment from Truelove on the allegations.
The scare unfolded at one of morning TV’s most visible locations, where fans often gather outside the Today studio plaza. NBC’s statement, as reported by TMZ, placed the encounter in a vestibule near Studio 1A rather than on the broadcast set itself.
The case now sits at the intersection of studio security and criminal court records, with NBC reviewing the breach and police having made an arrest after the confrontation reported by TMZ.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.