The "Today" show is increasing its on-set security following a recent incident where a guest allegedly accosted co-host Craig Melvin in a vestibule, using a racial slur.
A new security protocol has been implemented, effective immediately, which restricts guests to only two support personnel during interviews.
Guests will be allowed to bring two designated individuals, such as stylists or social media aides, into the studio, but additional personnel will be asked to remain in the green room.
The security change comes after Andrew Truelove, a 41-year-old Virginia native, allegedly snuck into the NBC studio at Rockefeller Center and used a racial slur at Melvin, before being apprehended by police.
Truelove was subsequently arrested and charged with hate crime burglary and menacing. He was also found to have felony convictions in his home state and pending charges in New York.
A psychiatrist testified that Truelove had symptoms of bipolar disorder and had stopped taking medications before the incident, citing weight gain as a reason.
Truelove's history includes a 2007 conviction for attempting to abduct an 8-year-old from a school in Norfolk, Virginia, as well as multiple charges in Virginia, including trespassing, making bomb threats, and repeated probation violations.
His current bail is $10,000, and he is due back in court on August 5.
