The 50-foot Christmas tree in front of the Fox News headquarters in Manhattan was the victim of arson earlier this week.

Police said a homeless man set the tree on fire shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Onlookers recorded video of the giant artificial, fully-decorated tree ablaze. 

Authorities arrested 49-year-old Craig Tamanaha at the scene on a laundry list of charges, including criminal mischief, arson, and disorderly conduct.

According to a criminal complaint, he told police, “I have been thinking about lighting the tree on fire all day.”

Bystanders were apoplectic at the tree’s destruction, estimated at $500,000 worth of damage.

“It’s an assault on Christmas,” said tourist Rob Davanzo.

Fox News erected and lit a new tree less than 48 hours after the fire.

“We will not let this deliberate and brazen act of cowardice deter us,” FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott told network staffers in a memo.

Source:

Giant Christmas tree outside Fox News headquarters set afire