How Fox News Reacted to Their Own Christmas Tree Catching Fire

Fox News workers have begun reacting to the news that their Christmas tree outside their headquarters caught fire early Wednesday morning, December 8.

A New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson confirmed that undomiciled 49-year-old Craig Tamanaha was arrested at the scene and is in custody regarding the incident.

A lighter was removed from the suspect but it was not made clear whether this or an incendiary device was used to start the fire. Police have also said the man acted alone and the incident did not yet appear to be premeditated or politically motivated.

Fox News' Shannon Bream covered on the incident as a breaking news report at the time of the fire.

Ms Bream said: "A bit of breaking news for you tonight. You are looking at live images, this is the Fox Square in New York outside of Fox Headquarters.

"It appears our giant Christmas tree there, just a couple of minutes ago, was completely engulfed in flames.

"It appears crews are there on the scene, you see the smoke and the aftermath as they try and get that under control.

"It is a large, beautiful highly decorated tree right there. Thanks to the crews that look like they have just about got that thing under the control.

"It looks like people are safe and sound for now."

Some Fox News contributors took to Twitter to praise the NYPD and Fire Department for their speedy action as well as condemn the incident.

Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell wrote: "One of the most hateful acts.

"Thank God none of my colleagues were hurt. Fox Square's All-American Christmas Tree burned in fire, suspect arrested."

Posting his own video of the aftermath in the morning, Fox anchor Brian Kilmeade wrote on his Twitter: "A homeless wack job burned our Fox Christmas tree to the ground- lawless NYC.

"Thanks, NYPD and FDNY for scrambling so rapidly to help."

Posting pictures of the flaming tree, Fox business news anchor Cheryl Casone wrote: "My 4am view today. Our Fox News Xmas tree torched.

"This city is a complete disaster. The security guards ( who wait for me every morning) tackled the suspect."

NYPD released a statement to Newsweek explaining the incident and confirmed the charges against the man.

Tamanaha has been charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, arson, criminal nuisance-endangering others, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct.

The statement read: "On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at approximately 0014 hours, a 49-year-old male was observed by Fox News Channel security climbing the Christmas tree decorated outside their office building near the corner of West 48 Street and Sixth Avenue, within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct.

"Upon arrival, officers observed the male running from the location and he was taken into custody without further incident. The fire within the tree was extinguished without further injury or incident by responding FDNY personnel.

"The male suspect was removed to the MTN Precinct where he will be processed; there was a lighter removed from his person, but it's unclear if there were any accelerant used.

"The cause of the fire is to be determined by NYC Fire Marshall, there are no injuries reported and the investigation is ongoing."

Newsweek has contacted Fox News for comment.