Craig Melvin tells grads to skip “soulless robot” advice
When it came to grad advice, NBC Today co-anchor Craig Melvin chose people over AI prompts in his commencement speech at the Villanova University.
The “Today” show anchors are addressing the arrest of an intruder.
During the Friday, July 17, broadcast, Craig Melvin addressed the incident involving an individual who snuck into the studio and confronted him the day prior.
“Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest,” the anchor said, adding the show is “cooperating fully with the NYPD as they investigate the matter. We are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
Coanchor Laura Jarrett, filling in for Savannah Guthrie, said to Melvin, “We want to make sure that you’re safe,” with him adding, “Safe and sound.”
The New York City Police Department previously confirmed a suspect was in custody after officers responded to a “disorderly person” inside the building at 30 Rockefeller Center around 9 a.m. on July 16.
USA TODAY later learned the suspect entered the building through the lobby and encountered Melvin, 47, on a staircase. They allegedly engaged in a verbal exchange for less than 10 seconds before security was able to detain the suspect. Police made an arrest shortly after.
People and TMZ further reported that the suspect was searching for weather anchor Al Roker when he proceeded to yell a racial slur at Melvin.
Melvin spoke out about the situation that same day in a statement posted to his official Instagram page, which read, “Hey everyone. I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I am doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on @todayshow.”
Melvin also shared a statement from a spokesperson for the NBC show, confirming a “security incident” where “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.”The show “is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they I investigate the matter,” it continued. “Today” and NBC “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.”
As of July 16, the NYPD said the investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.
The suspect, identified as Andrew Truelove by NBC News, has an extensive criminal history, according to records reviewed by USA TODAY, including several ongoing cases in New York for criminal mischief, assault, criminal trespassing and reckless endangerment.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
