Today Show Security Stops A Man From Trying To Hurt Himself Outside The Studio

The Today show's security was put to the test this morning when a man reportedly tried to take his own life or otherwise harm himself during today's live taping of the NBC morning show. As Matt Lauer explains in the video above, the show had to open inside the studio today due to the incident. Security crews were forced to temporarily shut down parts of Rockefeller Plaza to handle the situation.

The Daily News posted pictures from the scene, reporting that a man who looked like he might be in his 50s pulled a knife and began to cut his wrists while standing in the crowd that had gathered outside to watch Today film around 7:50 a.m. this morning. The site goes on to report that security guards tackled the man, who was then rushed to St. Luke's Hospital to be treated. He's "expected to survive." Via Huff Post, a video of the man being knocked down by security has already (warning, it's a bit disturbing). If you want to see that, it's here.

It's a disturbing incident, to say the least, but fortunately, the man was stopped and taken to the hospital. Hopefully he'll get the help he needs. And from the sound of it, security wasted no time getting to the scene and handling the situation. NBC says the area was kept clear while security and the NYPD investigated the incident. Matt Lauer has since issued the following Tweet: