5 Reactions to Viral Video of Fox News’ Christmas Tree Catching on Fire
Liberals showed a callous disregard for the Christmas spirit as they mocked a Christmas tree catching fire outside Fox News headquarters in New York City on Wednesday.
SO WHAT
WHAT HAPPENED
On Sunday, the tree had been lit as part of the network’s “All-American” Christmas special.
The Christmas tree outside of Fox News has caught on fire. pic.twitter.com/No7SVK0JeF
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) December 8, 2021
Footage of the blaze was viewed millions of time on social media.
- Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott issued a companywide memo on Thursday, calling the incident a “deliberate and brazen act of cowardice.”
- “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,” Scott said.
- Craig Tamanaha, 49, has been arrested and charged in connection with the fire, The New York Times reported.
Tamanaha faces seven counts, including arson and criminal mischief.
THE REACTION
While conservatives on Twitter largely expressed dismay at the apparent act of vandalism, many liberals seized the occasion to take shots at Fox News, right-wingers and what they viewed as excessive displays of patriotism.
1. Liberal Twitter user @AlwaysVote_Blue:
2. Comedian Dean Obeidallah:
Thoughts and prayers to the Fox News Christmas tree that was forced to stand outside a place that spews white supremacy and fascism. Perhaps the tree spontaneously burst into flames to save itself from having to see Tucker Klansman. #WarOnChristmas
— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) December 8, 2021
3. Nick Knudsen, executive director of the activist non-profit organization DemCast:
The giant Christmas Tree outside of Fox News erupted into flames.
In fairness, one of their viewers probably just heard that books are made from trees and jumped the gun. pic.twitter.com/vq9eI38QXZ
— Nick Knudsen 🇺🇸 (@NickKnudsenUS) December 8, 2021
4. Frederick Joseph, New York Times bestselling author of “The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person”:
Is there a gofundme for the person who lit the Fox News Christmas tree on fire? Asking for a friend.
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) December 8, 2021
5. Steve Silberman, award-winning science writer and New York Times contributor:
It's not just @FoxNews' Christmas tree that's burning. It's our democracy, torched by @FoxNews fascists and the @GOP. pic.twitter.com/GEVAlmhTgx
— Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman) December 8, 2021