A 49-year-old homeless man has been arrested by authorities after torching the iconic 50 foot tall Christmas tree outside the News Corp HG in Times Square last night.
According to local media reports, an employee from Fox News watched in silence and utter heartbreak as one homeless man climbed the festively decorated iconic landmark at around 12:14 am on Wednesday.
The accused has been identified as 49-year-old Craig Tamahana who was immediately taken into police custody while making a failed attempt to flee the crime scene.
Now, the accused is being held for interrogation and was slapped for charges relating to arson, criminal trespass, endangerment, and criminal mischief too.
On the other hand, authorities have called it a completely random act which is also being renowned as the latest incident in the wave of frightening and random violence to occur in New York City.
In recent months, crime has soared to a new high with a number of stabbings, gun-related violence, and assault, with rates soaring to new highs.
While no one was hurt during the act, the News Corp building has planned to beef up its security measures while alerting staff to stay alert for possible attacks of violence during the festive season.
The tragic news has reportedly come at a time when the city had just recently planned on welcoming back a sea of tourists from various countries who travel miles to view the stellar festive decor on display.
As it is, New York City is famous for tourism, being one of the most highly visited locations in the winter season, especially days leading to Christmas. But with the latest wave of COVID-19, numbers have reached a record low.
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