A 40-year-old New York man is facing hate crime charges after confronting “Today” show anchor Craig Melvin inside NBC’s studio complex in Midtown Manhattan.
Officers responded to 30 Rockefeller Center Thursday morning after receiving reports of a disorderly person inside the building. The man was taken into custody at the scene, police announced Friday.
According to a statement from NBC News, the individual had entered a restricted vestibule area near Studio 1A before approaching Melvin. Melvin alerted security personnel, who detained the man until law enforcement arrived. NBC did not disclose how the individual was able to access the restricted space.
No physical confrontation took place and no one was hurt during the incident. The network released a statement saying, “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 burglary, menacing, and criminal trespass — all classified as hate crimes — along with a harassment charge. As of Friday, it was unclear whether the man had appeared before a judge or retained legal representation. Police did not explain what factors led to the hate crime designations. Court records indicate a hearing has been set for Wednesday.
Melvin, who is Black, spoke about the ordeal during Friday morning’s broadcast. “Unfortunately, an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A,” he said. “Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest. We are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
Melvin also turned to Instagram to reassure followers who had reached out. “Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours,” he wrote Thursday. “I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out.”
Veteran “Today” show meteorologist Al Roker also responded on social media, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. “We are both okay,” Roker wrote on Instagram. “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 among a relatively small number of prominent Black journalists and anchors who hold regular, high-profile positions on national broadcast network news programs.
