NBC News fired a security guard who was on duty when a man invaded NBC headquarters at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on Thursday morning.
The man walked past security and got as far as “an unauthorized area at Studio 1A” just before 9 a.m., Page Six reported.
The man got into a restricted area of the studio and confronted co-host Craig Melvin after asking for Al Roker.
Page Six confirmed that one of two security guards on duty Thursday was let go.
Surveillance video shows one guard stepped away while the other guard missed the intruder who followed closely behind an NBC employee to access the building.
Page Six reports staff was saddened to learn about the security guard’s dismissal because he was well-liked.
The intruder, later identified as Andrew Truelove, initially asked for Al Roker (pictured left), but when he couldn’t find him, he lunged at Melvin and called him the N-word.
Melvin called security, and Truelove was detained for police to arrive.
Truelove was arrested and charged with hate crime menacing, hate crime burglary, hate crime criminal trespass and harassment, Page Six reported.
Melvin took to Instagram after the incident, writing, “Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out.”
He also said he was not taking time off for mental health reasons – as was reported by the New York press.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow,” he wrote.
On Friday morning’s episode of the “Today” show, Melvin said:
“You may have heard that unfortunately an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A. Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest. We are cooperating fully with the NYPD as they investigate the matter. And we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”