The Today show faced a pretty horrifying security breach where an intruder allegedly lunged at a host. As reported by TMZ, the wild incident happened at 9am local time on Thursday, July 16.
According to the outlet, the man had got inside the building from the plaza, and then proceeded to ask for Al Roker. But then, when he couldn't find Roker, he reached NBC host Craig Melvin.
Law enforcement explained the Today host allegedly faced racial slurs and abuse as the man launched at him.
Luckily, the staff security stepped in before anything more serious happened. However, concerns have been raised as to the security of the building. The fact that a man had managed to get so deep into what should be a restricted area with no problems is troubling.
According to the outlet's sources, the man was described as white. He was unarmed, and had entered a stairwell before managing to make his way backstage.
The rest of the details remain unclear, especially due to the tenacity of the hosts. Both Today hosts Craig Melvin and Al Roker were on TV 15 minutes later, appearing calm and collected, as if a security breach had never happened.
However, we know that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested. His arrest documents are sure to be released in due course.
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Social Media Was Outraged at the 'Today' Show Attack
Of course, this is an absolutely massive and concerning security breach. Commenters on social media were quick to criticize the security.
One wrote, "I thought they had beefed up their security after the Nancy Guthrie case???" with another writing, "Security around live TV shows seems tighter for fans than for actual intruders. How does someone get that close?"
Another chided, "Live TV security has one job, and this sounds like a pretty loud failure."
Others praised the quick actions of the cops. "That's good he deserves the arrest," a commenter wrote. Another said, "He should be arrested, it should be done."
We're happy that no one was hurt, and that Al Roker and Craig Melvin could continue with their casting without issue.
