An intruder broke into NBC studios where the “Today” show is broadcast in New York City. The man walked past security and entered the studio at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday, July 16, TMZ reported.
The incident happened around 9 a.m. in a restricted area of the studio. The man asked for Al Roker, then confronted co-host Craig Melvin and yelled a racial slur at him, a source tells PEOPLE.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the man asked for Al Roker, and when he couldn’t find Roker, he lunged at Melvin and shouted the N-word at him. Staff and security tackled the man and detained him until police arrived.
A cell phone photo taken inside the studio shows Melvin surrounded by several people after the incident. The incident did not happen on live TV, and no one was injured.
About 15 minutes later, Roker and Melvin appeared live on the show. They didn’t mention the incident.
Police presence was increased inside and outside the studio.
Staff demanded to know how the man got past security. Sources say the man followed closely behind an employee to enter the building.
The incident happened on the same morning that Savannah Guthrie revealed she will be stepping away from her co-anchor duties for the next “few weeks.” She is taking time off to host a Wordle game show.