NBC's Craig Melvin to be temporarily replaced on "Today" after studio intrusion
Craig Melvin will step away from his duties on "Today" and the Third Hour for a short period following an intruder incident at the studio, with former U.S. soccer player Taylor Twellman slated to fill in.
NBC announced that Craig Melvin will be on leave from "Today" beginning July 20, and former U.S. men’s national soccer team player Taylor Twelfman will serve as his substitute on the Third Hour alongside Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer. The change was disclosed on the Third Hour on July 15, a day before an intruder entered the studio complex around 9 a.m., demanded to see Al Roker, confronted Melvin, and shouted racial slurs. The suspect was arrested and charged with multiple hate-crime and trespass offenses.
"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 NYPD as they investigate the matter and we are just very happy that everyone is safe," Melvin told viewers the following day.
Co-anchor Laura Jarrett, who was filling in for Savannah Guthrie, added that the network’s priority is staff safety. NBC issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to employee security and indicating a review of security protocols. Al Roker posted a thank-you message on social media, and Melvin confirmed he was fine and would return the next morning.
The incident also coincides with Savannah Guthrie’s leave to film a new program, "Wordle," scheduled for a 2027 debut.