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Fox News stars gathered Monday night to celebrate the lighting of the All-American Christmas Tree, nearly a year after the network’s festive display burned down in an arson attack.
The 50-foot-tall tree was unveiled outside News Corp’s headquarters in Times Square at an event hosted live by The Five’s Greg Gutfeld, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Dana Perino, Jessica Tarlov and Jesse Watters.
Speaking to Dailymail.com about the annual lighting ceremony, Judge Pirro said: ‘It is spectacular and so magnificent that someone tried to burn it down last year. We just put it right back in. Let them try again and we’ll rebuild it right away.’
Fox News stars gathered Monday night to celebrate the lighting of the All-American Christmas Tree outside News Corp headquarters in Times Square
The tree was unveiled by The Five’s Judge Jeanine Pirro, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld
She continued, “I spent 32 years in law enforcement as a prosecutor and judge, so I know the last thing you should ever do is let them think they have one. Actually, we should put up two trees!’
A replacement Fox News Christmas tree had to be relit after the original festive display was set on fire by a homeless person in December 2021.
Craig Tamanaha, 49, was arrested in New York City after climbing the All-American Christmas Tree and setting it on fire with a lighter, causing a devastating fire.
The homeless man was taken into custody and charged with six charges, including arson, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and criminal misdemeanor. He is now back on the street.
The network’s celebratory display was set on fire in December 2021 by a homeless person
Craig Tamanaha caused about $500,000 in property damage, sources said at the time
Tamanaha caused about $500,000 in property damage, sources told the New York Post at the time.
He was taken into custody and charged with six counts including arson, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and criminal misdemeanor
NYPD detectives told DailyMail.com it was a completely random action and not politically motivated against Fox News or News Corp, which owns The New York Post and The Wall Street Journal.
Looking back on the attack, Dana Perino stated, “It was shocking when the tree burned down. Instead of wallowing in despair of being attacked, our CEO said, “We’re going to do this.”
“The Five came out and did the relighting and it was so celebratory – it brought tears to my eyes just because we can do it together to get it back on.
“This is the season for hope and renewal, so I’m thrilled that we’re making it a big deal this year.”
Co-host Jessica Tarlov added, “After what happened last year, this has a reborn vibe. There’s an extra level of excitement because the holidays are just a special time for the country.”
The network’s Christmas tree again has a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue decorations and is decorated with 12,000 ornaments and 340,000 lights.
The tree was unveiled in front of a live audience, including representatives from the New York Police Department and the New York Fire Department
Fox News personalities including Sean Hannity, Janice Dean, Bret Baier, Martha MacCallum and Laura Ingraham also appeared at the event
Perino gushed, “We wanted something that’s great not only for the locals, but also for the tourists who come to visit the city.”
The tree was unveiled in front of a live audience, including representatives from the New York Fire Department and New York Police Department, who performed the ceremonial lighting in honor of those serving the city.
Tarlov stated, “It’s built into Fox News’ DNA to hold back the community of first responders. They are such an integral part of how the hosts feel, and how management feels, about the people who are willing to sacrifice their lives every day.
“It’s nice to compliment them, especially about the recent wave of attacks. It’s an important moment to have and I’m really glad it happened during The Five’s Hour.”
During the event, the audience was also entertained by Christmas carols
Fox News personalities such as Sean Hannity, Janice Dean, Bret Baier, Martha MacCallum and Laura Ingraham also appeared at the event, where the audience was also entertained by Christmas carols.
The network also revealed that it is partnering with the Police Athletic League (PAL) for a toy drive benefiting New York City’s youth, with employees buying and wrapping gifts and participating in other volunteer activities to spread the cheer.
Reflecting on the event, Perino said, “People need a moment to celebrate, to put those midterm elections behind them.
“It’s been a pretty tough year — the economy is really tough for people with inflation. So if this tree can bring people a little joy, we’re all for it.”