NEW YORK – A 40-year-old man from New York is facing serious charges after a concerning incident at NBC’s studio in Manhattan involving “Today” show host Craig Melvin. The man was arrested on a Thursday morning inside 30 Rockefeller Center after reports of a disorderly individual emerged.
According to police, Melvin encountered the man in an unauthorized area near Studio 1A. Melvin quickly alerted security, who detained the individual until police arrived. Thankfully, there was no physical altercation, and no one was reported injured. However, details about how the man accessed the restricted area remain unclear.
NBC News released a statement affirming their commitment to safety, stating, “We are 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.”
The man has been charged with several offenses, including burglary, menacing, and criminal trespass, all elevated to hate crimes, as well as harassment. As of now, it is uncertain if he has appeared in court or if he has legal representation. Police have not disclosed what led to the hate crime classification of the charges, but a court date is set for Wednesday.
Craig Melvin, who is Black, addressed the incident on-air the following day. He expressed relief that the situation was handled swiftly, stating, “Unfortunately, an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A. Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest. We are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
In an Instagram post, Melvin reassured his followers, saying, “Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out.”
Longtime “Today” show meteorologist Al Roker also took to social media to express his gratitude for the support Melvin received. He wrote, “We are both okay. It’s moments like these that serve to pull us together. You all, like Craig, said ‘You come after one of us, you come after all of us.’”
Melvin and Roker are part of a small yet significant group of Black journalists who hold prominent positions in national broadcast news. Melvin has been with NBC and MSNBC since 2011 and took over as co-host of the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. hours of “Today” in 2025. Roker, who joined “Today” in 1996, is known for his role as a feature anchor and co-host of the show’s third hour.
