NBC Strengthens Security Around ‘Today’ Show After Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping and Studio Intruder Scare
NBC has significantly tightened security around the “Today” show following two alarming incidents that left staff increasingly concerned about their safety.
The heightened measures come months after Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her Arizona home on Feb. 1. Guthrie has not been found.
The situation was followed by another security scare in July, when an intruder allegedly managed to get past guards and reach the area just outside the “Today” show studio.
New Security Measures Bring Relief to Staff
The additional precautions have reportedly been welcomed by employees, who had been increasingly uneasy following the incidents.
“It’s a relief,” one insider told Page Six. “It was much-needed and took longer than people would have liked, but it does feel a lot better now.”
Another source said that although tighter security can sometimes be inconvenient in a busy workplace, staff members at “Today” have been cooperative with the new procedures.
“Staffers are more than willing to oblige with the new protocols,” the insider said. “It hasn’t been seen as a burden.”
The changes follow the July incident involving Andrew Truelove, a homeless man who was later described as disturbed. Just before 9 a.m. on July 16, Truelove allegedly slipped past security guards and entered the area immediately outside the studio where “Today” is filmed.
July Intruder Incident Raises Further Concerns
According to reports, Truelove approached “Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin and asked where he could find fellow co-host Al Roker.
He then allegedly directed a racial slur at Melvin.
Melvin alerted security, and Truelove was subsequently arrested. Page Six previously reported that a security guard was fired following the incident.
The episode added to concerns among “Today” staff about the effectiveness of security around the studio, particularly after the earlier crisis involving Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
Nancy Guthrie Remains Missing
Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Arizona home on Feb. 1 and has not been found.
Savannah Guthrie returned to the “Today” show in April, but the disappearance of her mother remains unresolved.
Representatives for the “Today” show declined to comment on the new security measures.
