The unhinged heckler who allegedly slipped past security at NBC’s “Today” show Thursday morning was charged with hate crimes as sources revealed he has several previous arrests in the Big Apple — all within the past year, law enforcement sources said.
Andrew Truelove, 41, allegedly barged into an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A at the 30 Rockefeller Center studio around 9 a.m., according to cops and an NBC rep.
He yelled that he wanted to see Al Roker but instead came face-to-face with Melvin and called him the N-word, the sources said.
Melvin alerted security before the wacko was detained by a member of the NYPD working a paid detail at the building, according to NBC and the sources.
He was taken to the Midtown North Precinct and charged with burglary,
menacing and criminal trespass as hate crimes — as well as harassment, police said.
Truelove has 8 unsealed previous arrests in the city, mostly for criminal mischief, the sources said.
He has been on probation since June 18 for that offense, according to the sources.
In a more violent act, he allegedly attacked a staffer at his Bowery residence back in January — allegedly grabbing the worker’s arm and slamming a door into it, the sources said.
He was charged with second-degree assault in connection to that incident, according to the sources.
The “Today” show intrusion wasn’t captured on air, but a photo taken inside the studio shows Melvin surrounded by several people in the aftermath.
“TODAY is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter,” the NBC statement said. “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.”
This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.
