Man arrested after allegedly setting Fox News' Christmas tree on fire


A man has been arrested after the Christmas tree outside of Fox News' headquarters in New York City went up in flames.
The New York Police Department confirmed to The New York Times that a 49-year-old man is in custody after Fox News' 50-foot "All-American Christmas Tree" in Manhattan caught fire early on Wednesday. The incident came days after the tree was lit on Sunday, and footage of it burning was broadcast on Fox News.
"This is our 'All American' Christmas tree," Fox News' Shannon Bream said on the air. "...Moments ago, you can see, it was engulfed in flames."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Fox News reported that its security spotted the man allegedly climbing the tree after midnight, and the suspect has reportedly been charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and arson. According to The Associated Press, police said the man was homeless and had a lighter.
The hosts of Fox & Friends discussed the incident earlier on Wednesday morning, with co-host Steve Doocy saying that according to eyewitness accounts, the man was allegedly seen holding newspapers under his arm and lighting them on fire.
"This is beyond tragic and angers everybody," co-host Brian Kilmeade said. "That smoke, by the way, filled up our entire lobby."
Doocy, who noted that the suspect was being interviewed but said "it's beginning to look a lot like arson," asked, "What kind of a person lights a Christmas tree on fire?" He also said the network planned to rebuild the tree.
"That was a one of a kind tree," Doocy said. "We don't know exactly what tree is going to be out there, but there's going to be another tree pretty quick."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 29, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - my way or Norway, running orders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 tactically sound cartoons about the leaked Signal chat
Cartoons Artists take on the clown signal, baby steps, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Roast lamb shoulder with ginger and fresh turmeric recipe
The Week Recommends Succulent and tender and falls off the bone with ease
By The Week UK Published
-
Texas arrests midwife on felony abortion charges
Speed Read Maria Margarita Rojas and an employee at one of her clinics are the first to be criminally charged under Texas' near-total abortion ban
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
South Carolina to execute prisoner by firing squad
speed read Death row inmate Brad Sigmon prefers the squad over the electric chair or lethal injection, his lawyer said
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Mexico extradites 29 cartel figures amid US tariff threat
Speed Read The extradited suspects include Rafael Caro Quintero, long sought after killing a US narcotics agent
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Leonard Peltier released from prison
Speed Read The Native American activist convicted of killing two FBI agents had his life sentence commuted by former President Joe Biden
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Ex-Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years
Speed Read The former New Jersey senator was convicted on federal bribery and corruption charges last year
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Police ID driver of exploded Cybertruck, can't see motive
Speed Read An Army Green Beret detonated a homemade bomb in a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Teenage girl kills 2 in Wisconsin school shooting
Speed Read 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow fatally shot a teacher and student at Abundant Life Christian School
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Penny acquitted in NYC subway choking death
Speed Read Daniel Penny was found not guilty of homicide in the 2023 choking death of Jordan Neely
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published