NEW YORK — A homeless man is facing a list of charges after police say he set fire to a Christmas tree outside the Fox News studios in Midtown early Wednesday morning.
It happened just after 12 a.m. on the plaza located at Sixth Avenue near 48th Street.
Police say the man, identified as Craig Tamanaha, 49, was observed by Fox News security outside of the office climbing the 50-foot tall tree before setting it on fire.
It's not clear what he used to start the flames.
Police say he was taken into custody while trying to leave the scene.
The NYPD says Tamanaha is charged with arson, criminal mischief, criminal trespassing, criminal nuisance, reckless endangerment, criminal tampering and disorderly conduct.
In an internal memo, FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott called the incident a "malicious arson attack" and says no employees were injured.
She went on to say, "We will not let this deliberate and brazen act of cowardice deter us. We are in the process of rebuilding and installing a new tree as a message that there can be peace, light and joy even during a dark moment like this."