Man charged with hate crimes after confrontation with Black ‘Today’ show host
Wire Report
NEW YORK (AP) — A 40-year-old New York man will face hate crime charges July 22 following a confrontation July 16 with “Today” show host Craig Melvin at NBC’s studio in Manhattan.
Andrew Truelove, 41, was arrested after NBC says he breached security, snuck into a vestibule in Rockefeller Center during a live broadcast, encountered Melvin and began shouting racial slurs.
Police said Truelove apparently was looking for longtime meteorologist Al Roker when he approached Melvin. Melvin called security, who held Truelove until police arrived and arrested him.
No altercation occurred and no injuries were reported. NBC did not explain how the man gained access to the area, stating they are “reviewing the incident and our security protocols.”
Authorities said Truelove has a criminal record spanning at least two decades, with charges including attempted kidnapping and trespassing, according to court records.
Truelove was arrested on charges of burglary, menacing and criminal trespass as hate crimes, as well as harassment. Police did not say what led to the hate crime charges. It was not immediately clear if Truelove has appeared in court or if he has an attorney.
Melvin and Roker are among a relatively small group of prominent Black journalists and anchors with regular, highly visible roles on national broadcast network news programs.
Melvin discussed the incident on-air July 17 morning.
“Unfortunately, an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A,” Melvin said. “Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest. We are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
Melvin also posted about the incident on Instagram. “Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours,” he wrote. “I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out.”
Longtime “Today” show meteorologist Al Roker also took to social media to thank everyone reaching out to check on Melvin.
“We are both OK,” Roker posted 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.’”
Wave wire services contributed to this report.
