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.
-
US sanctions Israeli West Bank settler group
Speed Read The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on Amana, Israel's largest settlement development organization
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Gaetz ethics report in limbo as sex allegations emerge
Speed Read A lawyer representing two women alleges that Matt Gaetz paid them for sex, and one witnessed him having sex with minor
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - November 19, 2024
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - junk food, health drinks, and more
By The Week US Published
-
DOJ demands changes at 'abhorrent' Atlanta jail
Speed Read Georgia's Fulton County Jail subjects inmates to 'unconstitutional' conditions, the 16-month investigation found
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
China tries to bury deadly car attack
Speed Read An SUV drove into a crowd of people in Zhuhai, killing and injuring dozens — but news of the attack has been censored
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Menendez brothers may go free in LA prosecutor plan
Speed Read Prosecutors are asking for the brothers to be resentenced for the 1989 murder of their parents
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Abercrombie ex-CEO charged with sex crimes
Speed Read Mike Jeffries ran the brand during its heyday from 1992 to 2014
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump criminal trial starts with rulings, reminder
Speed Read The first day of his historic trial over hush money payments was mostly focused on jury selection
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Parents of school shooter sentenced to 10-15 years
Speed Read Jennifer and James Crumbley are the first parents to be convicted in a US mass shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Unlicensed dealers and black market guns
Speed Read 68,000 illegally trafficked guns were sold in a five year period, said ATF
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bankman-Fried gets 25 years for fraud
Speed Read Former "crypto king" Sam Bankman-Fried will report to federal prison
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published