In a festive and seemingly oblivious atmosphere, tourists gathered at Rockefeller Center for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, just hours after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead around the corner. Thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas stood in line for hours, singing along to performances by the Backstreet Boys and Kelly Clarkson as light flurries fell over the celebration. Many attendees were unaware of the violent crime that had occurred earlier in the day or chose not to let it dampen their holiday spirit.
Despite the shocking murder, visitors such as Canadian Heather Poliquin found the event to be a joyful occasion. While some admitted that thoughts of the execution-style killing crossed their minds, heightened security measures reassured them of their safety. The mix of excitement and obliviousness of the crime was palpable throughout the event, with some expressing frustration at the massive crowds hindering their view of the performances.
Among the sea of spectators, there were those who saw the tree lighting as an escape from reality. New Yorker Bhushan Mondkar acknowledged the concern over the nearby shooting but emphasized feeling safe amidst the extensive security measures. As the tree illuminated the night sky, the magical moment was cherished by many, with one visitor describing it as living the American dream. The tree will remain on display through mid-January, serving as a beacon of hope and joy during the holiday season.
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Photo credit nypost.com