“Today” host Craig Melvin was the target of a racial Attack Thursday when a man breached security.
TMZ reported asked for
host Al Roker after going past security, law enforcement sources told the outlet.
When the intruder could not find find Roker, he focused on Melvin, who was standing in a restricted area. The intruder allegedly lunged at Melvin and screamed the N-word at him.
Security and staff members were able to detain him before he was able to assault Melvin, TMZ reported. The man, who was white, was arrested.
No one was injured; the hosts returned to the air shortly afterward.
“Today” show viewers weren’t aware of the incident since it was not aired on TV. Neither Roker not Melvin addressed what happened when the morning show returned from break.
It appears staffers are demanding to know how someone was able to breach security, access the plaza undetected and get near Melvin, per TMZ