(NEW YORK) — A man is facing charges, including menacing as a hate crime, after he allegedly snuck into an NBC building at New York City’s Rockefeller Center looking for “Today” show weather anchor Al Roker, authorities said.
The suspect, Andrew Truelove, gained access to the “Today” studio on Thursday morning by entering the lobby and closely following an NBC employee who used an ID card to scan into the building, Rockefeller Center security personnel told authorities.
Truelove allegedly loitered at the bottom of a stairwell before calling out, “Where is Roker?” according to a criminal complaint.
He then allegedly took steps toward “Today” anchor Craig Melvin and repeatedly uttered a racial slur, the complaint said.
Truelove, 41, of Manhattan, was detained by an NYPD officer working a paid detail, police said.
He was charged with burglary as a hate crime, menacing as a hate crime, criminal trespass as a hate crime and harassment, according to police. He appeared in court on Friday, where a judge set bail at $10,000.
Police sources told ABC News Truelove is a Sandy Hook school shooting denier who has been arrested numerous times, including in his native Virginia, for allegedly stealing signs dedicated to Sandy Hook victims.
Melvin wrote on Instagram after Thursday’s incident, “I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out.” He added on “Today” on Friday, “We are cooperating fully with the NYPD as they investigate the matter and we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
Roker wrote on Instagram Friday morning, “A really heartfelt thank you to all who reached out over the last 24 hours to check in on my brother, craigmelvinnbc. We are both okay. It’s moments like these that serve to pull us together.”
NBC News did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment, but Melvin shared a statement from NBC News on Instagram, which said the person “entered an unauthorized area ” and “approached anchor Craig Melvin, who alerted security.”
“The individual was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident. There was no altercation, and no one was injured,” NBC said.
NBC said it takes “the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously. We are reviewing the incident and our security protocols and remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who works at and visits our studios.”
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