Al Roker says ‘we are okay’ after ‘hate crime’ scare at Today studio
The veteran broadcaster has thanked supporters after an intruder allegedly entered NBC’s New York studios, with prosecutors bringing hate crime charges over the incident involving Craig Melvin.
Al Roker has reassured Today viewers he and colleague Craig Melvin are safe after an intruder allegedly entered NBC’s New York studios and confronted the morning show's co-anchor in what prosecutors have described as a hate crime.
The veteran US broadcaster, 71, thanked supporters for their messages following the incident, saying it had brought the Today team closer together after a man allegedly entered an unauthorised area at Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza.
Al, who has been a fixture on NBC’s Today for decades and is one of American television’s best-known weather presenters, shared the update after authorities announced charges against Andrew Truelove. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Truelove has been charged with one felony count of burglary in the third degree as a hate crime and one felony count of menacing in the third degree as a hate crime following the alleged incident on Thursday (16.07.26.)
The episode comes as Al continues to appear regularly on Today after returning to full-time broadcasting following the serious health challenges he faced in recent years, while Craig, 47, remains one of the programme’s principal anchors after succeeding Hoda Kotb on the show's main morning edition.
Al wrote on Instagram: “A really heartfelt thank you to all who reached out over the last 24 hours to check in on my brother, @craigmelvinnbc.”
He continued: “We are both okay. It’s moments like these that serve to pull us together.”
Al added: “Like Craig said, ‘You come after one of us, you come after all of us.’ We’ll talk about it this morning on @todayshow.”
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Truelove’s bail was set at $10,000 cash, a $10,000 insurance company bond or a partially secured surety bond.
Authorities said a full temporary order of protection has also been issued.
Truelove is due back in court on 22 July.
According to People, Truelove allegedly entered NBC’s studios at Rockefeller Plaza after getting past security before confronting Craig and shouting racial slurs.
A law enforcement source also told the outlet the suspect allegedly asked for Al after entering the building.
Craig briefly addressed the incident during Friday morning’s edition of Today.
He said: “You may have heard that, unfortunately, an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A.”
Craig continued: “Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly, he was placed under arrest, we are cooperating fully with NYPD as they investigate the matter, and we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
He added he was “safe and sound”.
On Thursday (16.07.26), Craig also shared a message on Instagram thanking viewers for their support.
He wrote: “Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours.”
Craig added: “I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow.”
NBC News also issued a statement addressing what it described as a security incident.
The broadcaster said: “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.”
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.”
