Suspect allegedly shouted racial slur at NBC co-host; burglary charges expected
Arrest made around 9 a.m.; suspect expected to face burglary and other charges, official says
The intruder, who has not been publicly named, entered the 30 Rockefeller Center plaza and slipped past the building’s checkpoint system, according to United Press International. He allegedly made his way to a restricted studio area while looking for Al Roker, then lunged at Melvin, 47, and shouted a racial epithet.
The NYPD said officers took the man into custody at about 9 a.m. A law enforcement official told CNN that the suspect is expected to be charged with burglary and additional offenses.
Police are reviewing surveillance recordings and body camera video from the arresting officers to determine how the man evaded security, the official said.
Several NBC employees, who must swipe or show their work badges multiple times to enter the building, told CNN they were stunned by the breach. The network had bolstered security in February after the mother of anchor Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped. Today show hosts did not address the incident on the air.