A 50-foot Christmas tree that was standing outside Fox News’ New York City headquarters was set on fire by a man who was later arrested.
ABC7 reports that the blaze went up just after midnight, and spread to some smaller decorated trees. According to police, the 49-year-old man climbed up artificial structure of the tree and lit papers he brought with him on fire and shoved the burning papers into the tree.
He then climbed down and watched the tree burn. The suspect was identified as Craig Tamanaha, who is homeless. He’s been charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, arson, criminal nuisance, endangering others, criminal trespass, criminal tampering and disorderly conduct.
Fox News Headquarters Christmas tree in New York City set on fire. Police have suspect in custody. pic.twitter.com/Yjootk5ACD
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) December 8, 2021
“The motive I don’t think is clear at this point,” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said. “It’s an individual that is known to us. He has a series of low level arrests and drug arrest. He was issued earlier this year some appearance tickets and didn’t come back to court, which unfortunately is something we see all too often. Also has some low level arrests out of state.”
