Fans noted the absence of popular "Today" show hosts Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker from the program this week. Their absences occurred just days after a studio break-in at 30 Rock, during which an intruder entered the set and lunged at Melvin.
Guthrie, 54, was away filming the initial episodes of the "Wordle" game show, scheduled to premiere on NBC next year. Willie Geist, filling in as co-anchor, announced Guthrie's filming schedule during Tuesday's broadcast.
Melvin, 47, is currently on a family vacation, as explained by Geist. Sheinelle Jones and Willie Geist stepped in to co-anchor in place of Guthrie and Melvin, while Dylan Dreyer covered for Roker.
The security breach happened last Thursday when Andrew Truelove, 41, identified as the suspect, entered an unauthorized area of Studio 1A. According to reports, Truelove allegedly asked for Roker before confronting Melvin and using a racial slur. He was apprehended by security in the building's lobby and subsequently arrested by the NYPD. Charges against Truelove include hate crime menacing, hate crime burglary, hate crime criminal trespass, and harassment.
Melvin returned to the air on Friday's "Today" broadcast, addressing the incident and assuring viewers he was "safe and sound." He stated that the show was cooperating with the NYPD investigation and expressed relief that everyone was safe. Roker was present during Melvin's on-air remarks.
Guthrie had previously announced on July 16 that she would be absent for "a few weeks" to film the new "Wordle" game show. It is unclear why Roker was not present on the show this week.