Man Sent to Hospital After Climbing National Christmas Tree
U.S. Park Police say the man looked to be in "emotional distress."
A man was sent to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation after climbing the National Christmas Tree on Friday night, NBC4 Washington reports. Some of the lights on the tree, which is located near the White House at the Ellipse, were reportedly damaged during the incident.
U.S. Park Police describe the man, who has not been identified, as being "in some kind of emotional distress." Police had to negotiate with the man to get him away from the lighted tree. TMZreports that the man climbed somewhere between 15 to 20 feet high. Negotiators were able to convince the man to come down by 7 PM. The incident began at around 5:45 PM.
Trump and Melania were present at the ceremonial lighting of the tree back in late November.
The area will be closed for the remainder of the evening.
