Christmas Tree Outside Of Fox News Gets Torched, Police Take Man Into Custody

[Teh One Who Knocks]

By Ryan Saavedra - The Daily Wire


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A Christmas tree outside of Fox News’ headquarters in New York City went up in flames late on Tuesday night, a breaking news item that garnered brief mention on the network’s “Fox News @ Night.”

“A man was arrested after setting fire to a Christmas tree outside Midtown’s News Corporation building early Wednesday morning,” the New York Post reported. “The holiday display was set ablaze shortly after midnight and the flames quickly spread up the tree in Fox Square outside the 6th Avenue building that houses Fox News.”

“Fox News @ Night” host Shannon Bream said the following on air:


We brought you breaking news a few moments ago. Firefighters on the scene of this blaze. This is at Fox Square in New York. This is our all American Christmas tree. The fire appears to be out for now. Moments ago you could see it was engulfed in flames. No word of any injuries there. We saw the crews there bravely fighting through this. They have gotten this under control, looks like the fire is out for now. But we’re gonna monitor the situation, try to find out what sparked this whole thing. But for now it looks like everybody is safe and sound, the fire is out.

WATCH:
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NBC 4 New York added the following about the man that police took into custody:


A News 4 employee witnessed NYPD officers apprehending a suspect near the tree after midnight.

A police department spokesperson confirmed a 49-year-old man was in custody but investigators couldn’t confirm an incendiary device was used. A light was removed from the suspect, though it’s also unclear whether it was used.

Police say the man acted alone and the incident didn’t appear to be premeditated or politically motivated.

Law enforcement confirmed to Business Insider that they took a man into custody in connection with the incident.
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Fox News reported:


The red, white and blue themed tree measures 50-feet high filled with 10,000 glass ornaments, 100,000 lights and took over 21 hours to assemble.

“When we walk in at three and four o’clock in the morning on weekdays to go to work, the music is so orchestral, so dramatic, and so big, it just puts you in the Christmas spirit as you walk through the crossroads of the world,” Fox News co-host Steve Doocy said at a lighting event for the tree on Sunday.

“Rockefeller Center is famous for having a Christmas tree,” he added, “Now we have two of the biggest Christmas trees in Rockefeller Center.”

[PorkChopSandwiches]

:facepalm:

[Muddy]

:lol: Christmas hasnt started until someone knocks the tree over..

[deebakes]

:ffs:

[Teh One Who Knocks]

By Dom Calicchio | Fox News


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The 49-year-old suspect who was arrested Wednesday in connection with the alleged torching of a Christmas tree outside the New York City headquarters of Fox News and News Corp. has been freed on no bail, according to a report.

Arson suspect Craig Tamanaha was seen leaving a Manhattan criminal courthouse on Wednesday night following his arraignment, the New York Post reported.

"I didn’t do it," Tamanaha told reporters outside the building.

The fire, which happened early Wednesday morning, sent dangerous flames and thick smoke into the air outside the building at Sixth Avenue and West 48th Street, just hours before workers, holiday shoppers and tourists would be flooding sidewalks and pedestrian plazas in the area.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Investigators said the 50-foot artificial tree was set ablaze using a burning piece of cardboard, the Post reported. The fire’s damage was estimated to cost about $500,000.

The arson and other charges Tamanaha was facing – including criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and criminal trespass -- were considered misdemeanors, not requiring a bail payment under liberal New York City’s laws, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bayley told the Post.

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Tamanaha, reportedly a vagrant with a long criminal record, would have to be accused of a more serious charge of third-degree felony arson in order to be forced to pay bail for his release, criminal defense lawyer Mark Bederow told the newspaper. He said the more serious arson offense occurs only when there is perceived intent to harm a person or an allegation of a hate crime.

The suspect’s next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 4, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Fox News is making plans to unveil a new replacement All-American Christmas tree outside its headquarters on Thursday during "The Five," with Lawrence Jones and Abby Hornacek co-hosting the telecast, as they did for the previous tree lighting.