A man arrested Thursday after entering the Today show’s New York City offices has been charged with a string of hate crime offenses, police and media reports said. Authorities identified the suspect as Andrew Truelove; he was booked on counts including hate crime menacing, hate crime burglary, hate crime criminal trespass and harassment, according to reports.
What happened inside Rockefeller Center
The New York Police Department and media outlets said Truelove breached security at the studio while searching for longtime weather anchor Al Roker. After being unable to find Roker, the suspect is reported to have asked co-anchor Craig Melvin where Roker was. During the encounter, Melvin was allegedly called a racial epithet and was lunged at before the anchor alerted security.
“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,”
Following Melvin’s call to security, the suspect was detained and removed from the premises. The incident did not result in an on-air discussion by Melvin or Roker later in the broadcast, the reports said.
Charges and official response
The arrests and charges were confirmed to media outlets, with TMZ and Page Six among the first to report details. The Today show issued a brief statement saying it is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
- Suspect: Andrew Truelove
- Location: 30 Rockefeller Center, New York City
- Charges: Hate crime menacing, hate crime burglary, hate crime criminal trespass, harassment
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~0857 hrs | Officer alerted to disorderly individual inside building |
| After encounter | Suspect detained by security and arrested |
Page Six and other outlets reported that Truelove was carrying a backpack and reached a staircase inside the facility but did not enter the on-air studio. The Post and other sources said investigators allege he used a racial slur directed at Melvin during the confrontation.
Broader implications
The incident underscores security concerns at high-profile public venues and raises questions about threat assessment and building access at broadcast centers. Authorities will determine whether additional charges or federal involvement are warranted as the probe proceeds.
The New York Police Department confirmed a person was in custody, and the Today show said it is assisting investigators. No further details about any potential weapon or motive beyond the alleged racial statements have been released publicly.
The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues and prosecutors review the case.
