The man accused of slipping past security at NBC’s “Today” show studios and hurling a racial slur at co-host Craig Melvin was ordered to be held at Rikers Island without bail after violating the terms of his probation, according to court records.
Andrew Truelove, 41, was remanded to the Rikers Island jail complex without bail on Wednesday after violating parole tied to a criminal mischief charge he pleaded guilty to in May, court records show. Truelove is accused of sneaking into a vestibule that is near Studio 1A in Rockefeller Center on July 16 and going up to Melvin, allegedly hurling a racial slur.
Truelove was allegedly searching for Al Roker but encountered Melvin instead. He faces hate crime charges of burglary, a felony, and menacing, a misdemeanor, in connection with the incident.
The man has a criminal history that extends beyond New York.
Truelove was convicted of trying to abduct an 8-year-old from a school in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2007. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with six years suspended and followed by 10 years on probation, according to court records.
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During those court proceedings, a psychiatrist testified Truelove had bipolar disorder symptoms and stopped taking medications.
His rap sheet also includes charges of trespassing, destruction of property, making bomb threats and multiple probation violations, according to Virginia court records.
After the mid-July incident at Rockefeller Center, Melvin wrote, “I’ve heard from so many of you over the last few hours. I’m doing just fine. Thanks for reaching out. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning on [TODAY Show].”
The “Today” show said in a statement it was reviewing security protocols after the incident. A security guard who reportedly failed to keep Truelove out of the studio was fired.
“An individual entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A,” a “Today” spokesperson said in a statement. “The person 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. TODAY is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter. NBC and TODAY take 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.”
