GETTING SERIOUS Today execs make major change to NYC set rules after intruder arrested for ‘lunging at Craig Melvin’
TODAY Show execs are making major changes to their New York City set rules after an intruder was arrested for allegedly lunging at anchor Craig Melvin last week.
A man snuck into Rockefeller Plaza’s Studio 1A last week and cornered Craig in a restricted area while allegedly shouting racial slurs.
Today Show is changing its security protocols after Craig Melvin was the target of a security breach last weekCredit: Getty
A man allegedly lunged at Craig after he got past securityCredit: Getty
In the aftermath, a number of changes in security have taken place.
According to a report by Variety, Hollywood PR firms handling the guests on the morning show have been issued strict new guidelines by the Today’s bookers for upcoming appearances on the show.
An email circulated to upcoming guests and obtained by the outlet read “We wanted to reach out with an important update regarding studio access for ‘Today’ interviews.
“In light of the recent events last week, we are implementing stricter security protocols effective immediately.
“Moving forward, there will be a maximum of two (2) people in the studio per guest.
“This includes anyone accompanying the guest — PR representatives, hair/makeup, social media, photographers, stylists, studio representatives, or any other support personnel,” the email continued.
It concluded that there will be “no exceptions or additional personnel permitted in the studio during the interview.”
While it was unclear which celebrity’s team received the leaked email, Today often attracts A-list talent to promote their movies and shows in hopes of bolstering ticket sales and views.
Beyond issuing the new guest protocols, a security guard who was on duty was fired in the immediate aftermath of the breach.
Police have identified 41-year-old Andrew Truelove as the man accused of slipping into a restricted section of NBC’s Studio 1A and lunging at the host while shouting a racial slur.
Security footage apparently shows two guards on duty at the time, with one stepping away momentarily and the other missing Truelove as he walked right past into the off-limits area.
The security breach eventually led to a guard being fired, though it was unclear which one was let go.
The decision upset many NBC staff members who considered the employee a popular figure around the building.
According to reports, Truelove walked into NBC headquarters just after 9am and initially asked staff where he could find veteran weatherman Al Roker.
When he could not find Roker, he shifted his focus to Melvin and moved toward him while yelling the slur.
Insiders say Truelove managed to get as far as a staircase near the studio and the backstage dressing rooms, though he never made it onto the live set before being stopped.
Melvin actually spotted the intruder himself and alerted security, which led to Truelove being taken into custody.
The NYPD charged him with hate crime menacing, hate crime burglary, hate crime criminal trespass, and harassment.
Officers noted that remarks made by Truelove led them to believe he was dealing with an emotional disturbance.
Viewers tuning in never saw the drama unfold because it happened during a commercial break.
About 15 minutes after the incident, Melvin and Roker were back on air without acknowledging the scare.
Melvin later addressed concerned viewers on Instagram, posting, “Hey everyone.
I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours.
I’m going just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on the Today Show.”
NBC is currently cooperating with authorities, saying in a statement that it is “cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter.”
The network emphasized that “NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously,” and added that leadership is “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.”
