A man arrested after allegedly confronting “Today” co-host Craig Melvin inside NBC’s Rockefeller Center studios has a criminal history spanning nearly 20 years, according to court records. Authorities have charged Andrew Truelove, 41, with hate crime-related offenses following the incident, while past records show previous convictions and arrests in Virginia and New York.
The case has also prompted NBC to review its security procedures after the suspect allegedly entered an area not open to the public.
Incident
According to the New York City Police Department, Andrew Truelove was arrested on allegations that he entered an unauthorized vestibule near Studio 1A at Rockefeller Center during a live broadcast of the “Today” show.
Police said he approached co-host Craig Melvin and allegedly directed a racial slur toward him. Authorities stated that Truelove had reportedly been looking for weather anchor Al Roker before encountering Melvin.
Security personnel intervened immediately, and Truelove was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Footage
Video from the morning broadcast appears to show a man matching Truelove’s description outside the studio before the incident.
According to reports, the individual was visible in the background beginning around 8:03 a.m. At approximately 8:05 a.m., he appeared to remove a backpack and place it near or behind landscaping outside the building.
The individual reportedly remained in the area throughout portions of the live broadcast, including during actress Anne Hathaway’s appearance, before police arrested Truelove at approximately 8:57 a.m.
Charges
Following the incident, prosecutors charged Truelove with hate crime-related burglary, a felony, and menacing, a misdemeanor.
He is currently being held in a New York City jail on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court.
The allegations remain pending, and Truelove is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Record
Court records indicate Truelove has an extensive criminal history in Virginia.
In 2007, he was convicted of attempted kidnapping after prosecutors said he tried to abduct an 8-year-old child from a school in Norfolk, Virginia. He received a 10-year prison sentence, with six years suspended, followed by 10 years of probation.
According to reports from the time, a psychiatrist testified during the trial that Truelove showed symptoms of bipolar disorder and had stopped taking prescribed medication before the incident.
His Virginia court record also includes cases involving:
- Trespassing
- Destruction of property
- Bomb threat allegations
- Probation violations
In 2023, he served a 90-day jail sentence in connection with a property destruction case.
Court records also show that in 2014 he faced charges involving the theft of memorial signs dedicated to victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Pending Cases
New York court records also list several pending criminal cases involving a man with the same name and age as Truelove.
Those matters reportedly include allegations involving assault, trespassing, reckless endangerment on the city’s transit system, and a 12-count criminal mischief indictment filed last year.
Those cases remain pending.
NBC Response
NBC issued a statement confirming that an unauthorized individual entered a restricted area near Studio 1A.
According to the network, Craig Melvin immediately alerted security after being approached.
NBC stated that security personnel detained the individual before law enforcement officers took him into custody.
The network added that no physical altercation occurred and that no employees or guests were injured.
NBC also said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement while reviewing its security procedures to help maintain a safe environment for staff, guests, and visitors.
Separate Investigation
Some online users have speculated about a possible connection between Truelove and the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie.
However, law enforcement agencies have not linked Truelove to that investigation.
Authorities have also noted that Truelove does not match the physical description released by the FBI of the masked individual seen near Guthrie’s Arizona home around the time of her disappearance.
The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department continue to investigate that case separately.
The investigation into the incident at NBC’s Rockefeller Center remains ongoing. While court records show Andrew Truelove has an extensive criminal history, the current charges related to the alleged confrontation with Craig Melvin have not yet been resolved. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and the legal process will determine the outcome of the pending allegations.
FAQs
Who was arrested near the Today studio?
Andrew Truelove was arrested by NYPD.
What charges does he currently face?
Hate crime burglary and menacing charges.
Was anyone injured during the incident?
No injuries were reported by NBC.
Does Truelove have prior convictions?
Yes, including a 2007 attempted kidnapping conviction.
Has he been linked to Nancy Guthrie’s case?
No, law enforcement has reported no connection.
