NBC’s ‘Today’ Increases Security After Craig Melvin Set Intruder Incident

Security protocols on the Today set have reportedly been updated following the show’s recent intruder incident with Craig Melvin.

Last week, TMZ reported that a suspect found his way backstage at the NBC morning show and was searching for Al Roker. Unable to find the weatherman, the suspect reportedly sought out Melvin, eventually lunging at the host and using a racial slur. The suspect, identified as Andrew Truelove, was detained and arrested and faces hate crime charges.

Today addressed the incident in a statement at the time, which Melvin shared via Instagram. “There was a security incident this morning at the Today show studio. An individual entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A,” it reads. “The person approached anchor Craig Melvin, who alerted security. The individual was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident. There was no altercation, and no one was injured.”

The statement continued, “Today is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter. NBC and Today take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously. 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.”

According to a new report published by Variety on Thursday, July 23, the Today team informed publicity firms across the entertainment industry of updates to the show’s security protocol in light of the security breach.

NBC

“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 reads. “We’ll defer to you on who those two individuals should be, but there will be no exceptions or additional personnel permitted in the studio during the interview.”

The email notes that people accompanying guests are “more than welcome to wait in the green room during the interview,” and says guests are asked to “only bring essential team members to the show in general moving forward.” Guests and their teams are also encouraged to reach out to Today with any questions about the policy change.

“Please also feel free to forward this along to the rest of your teams so everyone is aware of the updated policy,” the email concludes. “Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we work to keep everyone safe.Best, Your Team at TODAY.”

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Earlier this year, multiple outlets reported that NBC had increased Today‘s security in the wake of Nancy Guthrie‘s disappearance. Savannah Guthrie‘s mom has been missing since February, and authorities have yet to name any suspects in the ongoing investigation. (Savannah and her family were demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin in exchange for Nancy through ransom notes.)

In addition to Truelove’s arrest, multiple outlets have reported that a security guard has been fired from the Today staff. “It’s a sad situation all around,” a source told People last week.

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