Man charged with hate crimes after confronting 'Today' host Craig Melvin

A 40-year-old man was arrested Thursday after breaching security at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Center studios and confronting 'Today' show co-host Craig Melvin, allegedly lunging at him and using a racial slur. He faces hate crime charges, according to the AP.

What happened

The man entered an unauthorized area near Studio 1A and asked staff for weather anchor Al Roker before spotting Melvin, a law enforcement official told CNN. The suspect allegedly lunged at Melvin and shouted the N-word Source: CNN. AP reported no altercation occurred, but confirmed the confrontation and arrest Source: AP. NYPD officers responded at 9:19 a.m. and took the man into custody without injuries Source: CNN.

Charges and reaction

The man was charged with burglary, menacing, and criminal trespass as hate crimes, plus harassment Source: AP. Melvin addressed the incident on-air Friday, saying, 'Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly' Source: AP. Al Roker posted on Instagram: 'You come after one of us, you come after all of us' Source: AP. NBC said it is reviewing security protocols.

Security context

The breach follows increased security measures implemented in February after the abduction of co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother Source: CNN. Guthrie announced Thursday she would temporarily leave the show to film a new game show .