A knife-wielding man who tried to enter ABC Studios in New York, where “Good Morning America” is recorded, “threatened to kill” Michael Strahan Tuesday morning and was arrested, the New York Police Department told TheWrap.
The man allegedly pulled out a knife and attempted to stab an ABC security guard who stopped him from entering the building. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, but has not been charged at this time, police said.
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“There was an incident in Times Square,” Heather Riley of ABC News confirmed to TheWrap. “An individual lunged at one of our employees and was heroically tackled by a police officer. We understand the man was taken in for psychiatric evaluation. It was a scary situation but thanks to the fast actions of NYPD the situation was quickly under control. Michael was never in any danger.”
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The incident happened so quickly that most people, including Strahan, didn’t even realize it had happened, TheWrap has learned. Strahan was not made aware of what had happened until Tuesday afternoon.
Once he was transported to a police station, the man allegedly said he tried to gain access to ABC because he wanted to “kill” Strahan, a former NFL star and current “GMA” correspondent who also co-hosts “Live with Kelly and Michael.”
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The NYPD declined to give the man’s name because he has not yet been charged. Although police did say he remains behind bars until charges are filed.
In addition to his “Live” co-hosting duties, Strahan is also an anchor on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” appearing a couple of times a week.