Fox Christmas tree alleged arsonist thought about setting the fire “all day long,” free without bail

Craig Tamanaha, 49, is alleged to have set fire to the 50-foot Fox News Christmas tree in New York City shortly after midnight on Wednesday. He is homeless and is known to hang out in the area.

Tamanaha has been charged with several misdemeanors related to the burning of the tree outside Fox News in Midtown Manhattan, including arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing. The blaze caused an estimated $500,000 worth of damage.

However, he was released without bail because he was “not charged with a bail-eligible offense.” Under New York law, arson is only a felony if there is intent to harm a person or commit a hate crime.

A criminal complaint said Tamanaha told a detective after his arrest that “I have been thinking about lighting the tree on fire all day long.”  

However, Tamanaha told reporters outside Manhattan criminal court on Wednesday night he “didn’t do it,” went on an incoherent rant about “moms that want to rape their f—king daughters,” and then asked for a cigarette.

His ramblings may be related to the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of the deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which is also taking place in Manhattan. Tamanaha was arrested for allegedly exposing himself outside Maxwell’s trial last week.

Tamanaha has been arrested numerous times in the past, with NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea saying that he is “known to the department” and was likely working alone.

“It’s all very fresh,” Shea said Wednesday. “It’s probably a little preliminary to say what the motivation was. Was mental illness a factor? We’re looking at all of that.”

The artificial Christmas tree was unveiled and lit on Sunday outside the Midtown building that houses Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. It was filled with 10,000 glass ornaments, 100,000 lights, and took over 21 hours to assemble.