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New York reform laws mocked after Fox Christmas tree arson suspect freed without bail

Tamanaha, 49, allegedly set ablaze the 50-foot tall artificial tree outside the Midtown building using a piece of cardboard that was on fire

The arsonist allegedly behind the torching of the Fox News Christmas tree was released from custody after his arraignment Wednesday night, December 8, because his charges were apparently not eligible for bail under New York's new liberal reform laws.

49-year-old Craig Tamanaha told reporters outside Manhattan criminal court, "I didn't do it!" when asked about the early morning arson that led to more than $500,000 in damages outside the Midtown building that houses Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post. The vagrant, who has a lengthy criminal record, also launched an incoherent rant outside the courthouse, hurling obscenities at reporters and later asking them for a cigarette.

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The suspect was originally charged with a slew of misdemeanor charges including but not limited to arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and criminal trespass after he allegedly set ablaze the 50-foot tall artificial tree using a piece of cardboard that was on fire, the New York Post reported.

Why was Tamanaha released without bail?

Tamanaha was “not charged with a bail eligible offense," Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bayley said at the arraignment. Judge Martinez Alonso subsequently granted the suspect a supervised release at the request of prosecutors. Criminal defense lawyer Mark Bederow told Fox News that the alleged arsonist would have to be charged with at least third-degree felony arson for a judge to set bail. He clarified that arson -- under New York law -- is only a felony if the suspect attempts to harm a person or commits a hate crime.

What's more? The judge also vacated two open warrants against Tamanaha for desk appearance tickets and told him to return to court on January 4. The suspect is reportedly homeless and abuses drugs, according to The Post. “Oh, he’s a nut. I can’t control him,” Richard Tamanaha, of Hawaii, told the newspaper earlier Wednesday, adding, “Mentally, he’s not all there.” Meanwhile, social media was inundated with jokes at the expense of New York's liberal reform laws.

"Wow. No bail for arson? Light ‘em up New Yorkers," one tweeted.

"Bail reform at its finest!! It’s shameful what we’ve turned into," another wrote.

"What a joke our city laws @GovKathyHochul @NYCMayor @NYPDShea...How embarrassing and actually dangerous this continues to be," a comment read.

"It's all a misunderstanding. He tripped on the tiki torch holder outside of the building," someone else quipped.
 
"He'll probably be honored at Biden's next SOTU address and given the Medal of Freedom," another chimed in.
 

Fox's CEO Suzanne Scott sent a memo to all staff after suspect Tamanaha set the 50-foot tree which took 21 hours to install and was decorated with 10,000 ornaments. Scott described the incident as a "deliberate and brazen act of cowardice to deter us." The company is currently in the process of installing a new tree as "a message that there can be peace, light, and joy even during a dark moment like this."

There has been a major uptick in crime across the Big Apple since New York's lenient bail reform went into effect. Outgoing Police Commissioner Dermot Shea recently described “the resulting crime that has flowed from disastrous bail reform law” as “insanity," the New York Post reported.

Disclaimer: This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.