COLUMBIA — NBC’s “TODAY” show co-host and South Carolina native Craig Melvin has been noticeably absent in recent broadcasts. But his absence this week is unrelated to a recent incident where he was targeted by an intruder at the show’s studio.

What NBC says happened

A person entered an unauthorized area in a vestibule near Studio 1A on July 16, according to a statement from “TODAY.”

• The man approached Melvin and allegedly yelled a racial slur.
• Melvin alerted security, and the intruder was detained and taken into law enforcement custody, the statement said.
• No one was injured.

“NBC and TODAY take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously,” according to NBC’s statement posted on Melvin’s Instagram account. “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.”

Melvin said on Instagram that he was “doing just fine” after the incident and was planning to return to the show the next day.

“Thankfully he (the intruder) was apprehended quickly. He was placed under arrest,” Melvin said once he returned to the show. “We are cooperating fully with the NYPD as they investigate the matter. And we are just very happy that everyone is safe.”

Where is Craig Melvin?

In an Instagram post on July 21, Melvin said he was out of the office and “hanging with family.” Other reports have noted that his pre-planned vacation had nothing to do with last week’s intruder incident.

Melvin, a Columbia native and Wofford College alum who got his start in broadcasting at WIS, co-hosts “TODAY” with Savannah Guthrie and “3rd Hour of TODAY” with Al Roker and Dylan Dyer.

He reportedly announced his vacation plans on “3rd Hour” last week, noting that Taylor Twellman — a former U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team player — would be filling in for him.