A man accused of breaching security at NBC’s “Today” show studio and directing a racial slur at co-host Craig Melvin has been ordered held without bail at Rikers Island after court records show he violated the terms of his probation.
Andrew Truelove, 41, was remanded Wednesday to the Rikers Island jail complex without bail over a parole violation connected to a criminal mischief case in which he pleaded guilty in May, according to court records. Authorities say Truelove slipped into a vestibule near Studio 1A at Rockefeller Center on July 16, approached Melvin and allegedly shouted a racial slur.
Investigators said Truelove had allegedly been looking for Al Roker before encountering Melvin. He is now facing hate crime charges, including felony burglary and misdemeanor menacing, stemming from the incident.
Andrew Truelove was arrested after allegedly entering NBC’s Rockefeller Center studios during a live broadcast of the “Today” show and shouting racist slurs at co-host Craig Melvin. Authorities initially said he had been searching for Al Roker, and security staff intervened before police took him into custody. (Kevin C. Downs/Redux)
Truelove’s record includes criminal cases outside New York.
In 2007, he was convicted of attempting to abduct an 8-year-old child from a school in Norfolk, Virginia. Court records show he received a 10-year prison sentence, with six years suspended, followed by 10 years of probation.
During that case, a psychiatrist testified that Truelove had symptoms of bipolar disorder and had stopped taking his medication.
Andrew Truelove was arrested after allegedly entering NBC’s Rockefeller Center studios during a live broadcast of the “Today” show and shouting racist slurs at co-host Craig Melvin. Authorities initially said he was looking for Al Roker. (Kevin C. Downs/Redux)
His rap sheet also includes charges of trespassing, destruction of property, making bomb threats and multiple probation violations, according to Virginia court records.
After the mid-July incident at Rockefeller Center, Melvin wrote, “I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on [TODAY Show].”
Craig Melvin at the live performance of Megan Moroney on the Today Plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series on NBC’s “Today” show on July 10, 2026, in New York City. (Dinara Khairova/Sipa USA)
The “Today” show said in a statement it was reviewing security protocols after the incident. A security guard who reportedly failed to keep Truelove out of the studio was fired.
“An individual entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A,” a “Today” spokesperson said in a statement. “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 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.”
