New York: A man was charged with combustion and other crimes Wednesday to burn a 50-foot Christmas tree (15 m) in front of Fox’s head office in Midtown Manhattan, police said.
Artificial trees outside News Corp.
The building that accommodates Fox News, Wall Street Journal and The New York Post caught fire shortly after midnight, police said.
Photos and videos of scenes show a full-decorated tree.
Host Fox News Shannon Bream announces the API to viewers when firefighters work to put out it.
“This is Fox Square in New York, outside the Fox headquarters,” Bream said.
“It seems that our giant Christmas tree is there, just a few minutes ago, really swallowed up.” Firefighters put out the fire, and there were no reported injuries.
A 49-year-old man, the police said was homeless, arrested for accusations including criminal damage, combustion and entry without permission.
It was not clear whether he had a lawyer who could comment on the accusation.
The police said the man had a lighter, but it was not clear whether the Acererant was used.
The tree has been lit ceramonially during special Christmas networks on Sundays.
The remnants of destroyed were dismantled on Wednesday.
“We will not allow this intentional and brash cowardly acts to prevent us,” Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott told network staff in the memo.
Scott said the new tree will be installed “as a message that there might be peace, light and joy even during dark moments like this.” The lighting ceremony will be held for new trees, said Scott.