A security scare unfolded inside NBC’s “Today” show studio Thursday morning after an unauthorized individual allegedly entered a restricted area near Studio 1A, approached anchor Craig Melvin, and shouted a racial slur before staff and security intervened.
The individual was later taken into custody by police, and no injuries were reported. The incident raised questions about how the person was able to reach an area near one of NBC’s most recognizable morning broadcasts.
The incident happened around 9 a.m. at NBC’s Rockefeller Center studios in New York City while the “Today” show was not airing live, according to reports.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that the individual allegedly entered the building and made his way into an unauthorized area near the studio.
Reports said the person was seeking longtime Today meteorologist Al Roker before allegedly approaching Melvin after failing to find him.
According to law enforcement sources cited by TMZ, the individual allegedly approached Melvin and lunged toward him while shouting a racial slur during the encounter.
Staff members and security personnel intervened, and police later took the person into custody. The confrontation was not broadcast, and officials said no one was injured.
NBC confirmed that a security incident occurred at the “Today” show studio and said an individual entered an unauthorized area near Studio 1A.
In a statement, the network said Melvin alerted security after the person approached him and that the individual was detained and taken into custody “without further incident.”
NBC said it was cooperating with law enforcement and reviewing its security procedures following the incident.
A photo obtained by TMZ appeared to show Melvin surrounded by staff members inside the studio following the encounter as employees assessed what happened.
Despite the frightening moment, Melvin later returned to the broadcast alongside his co-hosts and did not publicly address the incident during the program.
The incident reportedly sparked concerns among some “Today” staff members about how an unauthorized person was able to gain access to a restricted area near the studio.
Law enforcement sources have not publicly explained how the individual entered the area or whether additional security measures will be added after the incident.
The security scare comes months after NBC reportedly increased security around the “Today” show studio following concerns involving host Savannah Guthrie’s family.
Additional security measures were reportedly put in place after the disappearance of Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, as a precaution for employees and on-air personalities.
It was not immediately clear whether those same measures were in place at the time of Thursday’s incident, Entertainment NOW reported.
The incident also comes as Melvin continues his role as one of NBC’s top morning anchors.
Melvin became the permanent anchor of “Today” in 2025 after replacing Hoda Kotb.
Before taking over the main broadcast, he was part of the show’s third-hour team and had become a familiar face to viewers, according to Us Magazine.
Roker has been one of NBC’s most recognizable personalities for decades. The longtime meteorologist joined “Today” in 1996 and remains a central figure on the program.
Authorities continue investigating the incident, and NBC said it remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for employees, guests, and visitors at its studios.
The circumstances surrounding the security breach, including how the individual gained access to the restricted area, remain under review.
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