Craig Melvin is speaking out after he was confronted by an intruder who snuck inside the “Today” show building Thursday, July 16.
An individual was arrested that same day after entering “an unauthorized area” of the studio at 30 Rockefeller Center and approaching the anchor, a spokesperson for the NBC show told USA TODAY. Hours later, Melvin, 47, has released a statement on his official Instagram page addressing the situation.
“Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I am doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow,” he wrote.
Melvin also shared a statement from the show: “There was a security incident this morning at the TODAY show studio. An individual entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A. 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.
“TODAY is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they I investigate the matter,” it continued. “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.”
The situation occurred just before 9 a.m. local time, when the New York Police Department responded to a “disorderly person” in the building and took the individual into custody.
USA TODAY learned that the suspect entered the building through the lobby and encountered a member of the “Today” show on a staircase. They engaged in a verbal exchange for less than 10 seconds before being detained by security and subsequently arrested.
People and TMZ further reported that the suspect allegedly yelled a racial slur at Melvin after searching the building for weather anchor Al Roker. The anchors did not address the situation during the following broadcast.
As of the late afternoon July 16, the NYPD said the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Craig Melvin addresses ‘Today’ show intruder incident
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