Fox News stars light fireproof Christmas tree after last year's was burned down

Fox News stars came together to celebrate the lighting of the All-American Christmas Tree on Monday night, almost a year after the network's festive display was burned down in an arson attack.

The 50-foot tall tree was unveiled outside News Corp HQ in Times Square during 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 stated: 'It’s spectacular and it’s magnificent so much so someone tried to burn it down last year. We just put it right back up, right away. Let them try again, and we’ll build it right back up again.'

Fox News stars came together to celebrate the lighting of the All-American Christmas Tree outside News Corp HQ in Times Square on Monday night

The tree was unveiled by The Five's Judge Jeanine Pirro, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld

She continued: 'I’ve spent 32 years in law enforcement as a District Attorney and a Judge so I know the last thing you should ever do is let them think they’ve one. In fact, 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 man in December 2021. 

Craig Tamanaha, 49, was arrested in New York City after climbing the All-American Christmas Tree and setting it on fire using a lighter, causing a devastating fire to erupt. 

The homeless man was taken into custody and charged with six counts including arson, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and criminal trespassing. He is now back on the streets. 

The network's festive display was set on fire by a homeless man in December 2021

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 trespassing

NYPD detectives told DailyMail.com that it was a completely random act and not politically motivated against Fox News or News Corp, which owns The New York Post and The Wall Street Journal.

Reflecting on the attack, Dana Perino stated: 'It was shocking when the tree got burned down. Instead of wallowing in the despair of getting attacked, our CEO said "We’re going to do this." 

'The Five came out and did the relighting and it was so festive - it brought tears to my eyes just because we can together to get it back up.

'This is the season for hope and renewal so I think it’s great that we are making a big deal about it 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 nation.'

The network’s Christmas tree once again features 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 which included representatives from the New York Police Department and the Fire Department of New York

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 is great not just for locals, but also for the tourists who come to visit the city.' 

The tree was unveiled in front of a live audience which included representatives from the Fire Department of New York and the New York Police Department, who performed the ceremonial lighting in honor of those who serve the city.

Tarlov stated: 'It’s built into the DNA of Fox News to hold up the first responder community. They are such a integral part about how the hosts feel, and how management feel, about the people willing to sacrifice their lives everyday.

'It’s nice to give them a moment of praise, especially about the recent wave of attacks. It’s an important moment to have and I’m thrilled it happened during The Five’s hour.'

The event also saw the crowd entertained by holiday carolers

Fox News personalities such Sean Hannity, Janice Dean, Bret Baier, Martha MacCallum and Laura Ingraham also appeared at the event, which also saw the crowd entertained by holiday carolers.

The network also revealed it has partnered with the Police Athletic League (PAL) for a toy drive to benefit New York City’s youth, with employees purchasing and wrapping presents, as well as partaking in other volunteer activities to help spread holiday cheer. 

Reflecting on the event, Perino stated: 'People need a moment to celebrate something, to get that midterm election behind them. 

'It’s been a pretty tough year - the economy is very tough for people with inflation. So if this tree can give people a little joy then we’re all for it.'