Craig Melvin will be temporarily absent from NBC’s TODAY beginning July 20, with former U.S. Men’s National Team soccer star and broadcaster Taylor Twellman stepping in as guest co-host during his scheduled vacation.
While Melvin’s time away was planned in advance, it comes just days after a frightening security breach at Studio 1A, where an intruder allegedly confronted the TODAY anchor while shouting racial slurs. The incident shocked viewers and prompted NBC to review its security procedures.
Taylor Twellman Will Fill In
NBC announced on the Third Hour of TODAY that Twellman would fill Melvin’s seat during his vacation. The former professional soccer player and longtime sports broadcaster is expected to co-host alongside Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer until Melvin returns.
Despite headlines suggesting Melvin is being “replaced,” the move is only temporary while the longtime TODAY co-anchor takes previously scheduled time off.
Studio Intruder Confronted Craig Melvin
The announcement of Melvin’s vacation came just one day before a man allegedly entered an unauthorized area of NBC’s Manhattan studios on July 16.
According to authorities, the suspect reportedly asked for Al Roker before confronting Melvin and yelling racial slurs. Security quickly intervened, and the suspect was taken into custody by the New York Police Department.
Prosecutors later charged the man with:
- Hate crime burglary
- Hate crime menacing
- Hate crime criminal trespass
- Harassment
The incident has raised concerns about security at the network’s famous Rockefeller Plaza studios.
Craig Melvin Addressed Viewers
Melvin returned to the air the following morning and reassured viewers that everyone involved was safe.
“You may have heard that unfortunately an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A. Thankfully he was apprehended quickly, he was placed under arrest, we are cooperating fully with NYPD as they investigate the matter and we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”
Guest co-host Laura Jarrett responded by telling Melvin, “We want to make sure that you’re safe.”
“Safe and sound,” Melvin replied.
NBC Reviewing Security Procedures
Following the incident, NBC released a statement saying the network is cooperating fully with law enforcement while reviewing its security protocols.
“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,” the statement read.
The network added that it remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone who works at and visits the studios.
Al Roker Speaks Out
Al Roker also thanked fans for their support in a heartfelt social media post following the incident.
“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.”
Melvin later reassured his own followers that he was doing well and thanked everyone who reached out after the frightening encounter.
Savannah Guthrie Also Away From TODAY
Melvin won’t be the only familiar face missing from TODAY in the coming weeks. Savannah Guthrie is also taking a temporary leave from the morning show while filming the upcoming television adaptation of Wordle in the United Kingdom.
For now, viewers can expect Taylor Twellman to keep Melvin’s seat warm until the veteran TODAY anchor returns from his planned vacation.
