NBC security guard dismissed after intruder entered TODAY studio

A security guard was fired after an intruder gained access to the TODAY show studio in New York City on Thursday. Surveillance footage showed the suspect, identified as Andrew Truelove, slip past two guards; one stepped away while the other failed to notice him entering the studio.

Police said Truelove entered the studio looking for Al Roker, shouted racial slurs, and confronted co-anchor Craig Melvin before being taken into custody. He now faces two hate-crime charges, and a judge issued a protective order barring him from approaching Roker or Melvin.

Melvin addressed the breach on Friday morning, stating, "We want to take a quick moment to address what happened yesterday. ... 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." He added that he was "safe and sound."

The incident occurred shortly before co-host Savannah Guthrie announced a temporary leave to film a new game show. Guthrie was absent from the Friday broadcast, citing a "long weekend," and Melvin left early for a previously scheduled vacation. NBC has not commented further.