Man climbs National Christmas Tree near White House lawn

A man climbed the National Christmas Tree near the White House lawn on Friday night and stayed perched on the branches for about an hour, authorities said.

The unidentified man, who is believed to have psychiatric issues, scaled the tree at about 5:45 p.m., according to US Park Police.

Park police called in hostage negotiators, who were able to coax the man down soon before 7 p.m., authorities said.

He was taken to an area hospital by fire officials after he came down from the tree.

The National Christmas Tree sits on a park space called the Ellipse near the White House lawn in DC.