Federal Authorities Charge 29-year-old Uber Driver Jonathan Rinderknecht with Allegedly Igniting the Devastating Palisades Fire
Federal authorities have announced the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht in connection with one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history — the Palisades Fire that broke out on New Year’s Day.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Rinderknecht is charged on a criminal complaint with maliciously starting the fire in Pacific Palisades. The blaze quickly grew into a catastrophic inferno, causing deaths and widespread destruction across the region.
“While we cannot undo the damage and destruction that was done, we hope his arrest and the charges against him bring some measure of justice to the victims of this horrific tragedy,” Essayli said.
Investigators say digital evidence seized from Rinderknecht’s devices included an image he generated using ChatGPT, depicting a burning city—a chilling detail that is now part of the case against him. Additionally, Rinderknect was active in listening to at least one “French rap song” described by the US Attorney as depicting massive fires. Rinderknect was an Uber driver at the time and a Southern California resident. He was familiar with the area in Palisades and had a friend living in the Palisades neighborhood. Rinderknect then relocated to Florida after the fires.
Rinderknecht’s initial court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. EDT in U.S. District Court in Orlando. Authorities emphasized that the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty. At this time, Rinderknect is charged with a criminal complaint. Additional charges will be forthcoming, according to Essayli.
The Palisades Fire remains one of the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles’ modern history, and this arrest marks a major step forward in the investigation.
