Tourists gathered at Rockefeller Center for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, showing resilience amidst troubling news of an earlier shooting that claimed the life of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The incident occurred just blocks away from the festivities early in the day, but it did little to dampen the spirits of those attending the celebration.
Despite the chilly weather, thousands of visitors from both near and far lined up for hours, eagerly awaiting the chance to see the magnificent tree adorned with over 50,000 twinkling lights. As light flurries danced in the air, attendees joined in singing with performers like Kelly Clarkson and the Backstreet Boys, all while the excitement built for the moment when the lights would be switched on at 10 p.m.
For some attendees, news of the shooting was only discovered later in the day, and many shrugged off any concerns over safety. Canadians Heather Poliquin and her daughter Amy, who were amid the bustling crowd, expressed that they felt secure and excited about the event. “We weren’t worried,” Amy noted, adding that they hadn’t even heard of the incident until later.
Local New Yorker Bhushan Mondkar shared that he was briefly reminded of the morning’s events but felt reassured by the enhanced security measures in place. “Since the moment I got off the subway, everything is blocked. They checked my bag. So I feel safe,” he said, reflecting on the reality of urban life.
However, not everyone shared the same sentiment. One father expressed concern about the risks of large gatherings in light of the recent violence and felt more people should have reconsidered attending. Others appeared more frustrated by the overwhelming crowds than with the safety concerns, stating that the sheer number of people made it difficult to enjoy the performances or see the tree at all.
Anna Marrero, who traveled eight hours from Ohio with her family, faced additional chaos as police managed the scene with barricades, leading to separation from her loved ones. “This is really, really ridiculous,” she shared, illustrating the challenges faced even in the pursuit of holiday joy.
Yet, despite the backdrop of tension, many attendees remained undeterred and focused on the magic of the moment. One woman, celebrating her 40th birthday on a solo trip, joyfully remarked on the enchanting experience of seeing the tree lit up for the first time. “I feel like I’m livin’ the American dream,” she said, encapsulating the spirit of hope and joy that still resonates during the holiday season, even in uncertain times.
The iconic Norway spruce will shine brightly throughout the season, lighting up the night and reminding us all of the perseverance and festive spirit that defines this time of year.