NBC tightens security after intruder breaks into ‘Today’ studio
“Today” show staffers are reeling after an intruder seeking Al Roker was arrested for breaking into the studio and confronting Craig Melvin.
“They were already on edge because of Savannah [Guthrie],” a source tells Page Six, referencing the journalist’s mom Nancy Guthrie’s February abduction from her Arizona home.
The source called Thursday morning’s scare “chilling” and “f–king insane,” pointing out, “He could have stabbed Craig. He could have planted a bomb.”
It’s not clear if the individual, who was wearing a backpack, was a crazed fan of Roker, 71, or had ill intent toward the weatherman.
While the intruder — who lunged and hurled a racial slur at Melvin — did not enter the actual filming studio, the man did reach the staircase inside the studio, where the confrontation occurred.
People, notably, need to swipe through security to access the area. We’re told the incident lasted 8-10 seconds.
We hear 30 Rockefeller Center is “a difficult place for security because it’s … really public.”
The insider explained, “There’s a coffee shop inside the area that staff use to get in and out. People come in with entourages — all the celebrities have like 12 people with them, so it’s not unusual for a whole group of people to be going through security at once.
“I don’t think it’s like they don’t care,” the source continued. “It’s just a complicated place to do security. I imagine there will be meetings today though.”
The intruder has been detained, with the New York Police Department confirming to us that someone is in custody.
“On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 0857 hours, a uniformed officer assigned to 30 Rockefeller Center was alerted to a disorderly individual inside the building,” reads the statement obtained by Page Six.
“Immediately thereafter, the responding officer entered into the building and placed the individual in custody without incident. There were no injuries reported, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. Charges are pending.”
Roker and Melvin, 47, were both on air after the incident and have yet to comment on it.
The “Today” show released a statement on the “security incident” Thursday afternoon, reading, “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 investigate the matter,” the statement 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.”
Security was reportedly ramped up at the time, with a source telling the US Sun, “NBC has stepped up security for on-air talent. NBC has partnered with the NYPD to make sure their staff remains safe, out of an abundance of caution.”
