LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — A 29-year-old man from Florida has been arrested and charged with starting the Palisades Fire, one of the most devastating wildfires in California history. Federal officials say Jonathan Rinderknecht deliberately sparked the blaze that tore through Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, killing 12 people and causing nearly $150 billion in damages.
According to a federal criminal complaint, Rinderknecht ignited a small blaze called the Lachman Fire in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025. Authorities say it smoldered underground for several days before reigniting on Jan. 7, becoming the massive Palisades Fire that destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee.
Federal prosecutors allege that Rinderknecht, who worked as an Uber driver, parked near a hiking trail in the Palisades Highlands after dropping off a passenger. He was reportedly angry and upset that night. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Rinderknecht tried to reach a former friend but failed, then walked up a nearby trail where he recorded videos and listened to music.
Investigators say Rinderknecht listened repeatedly to a French rap song titled “Un Zder, Un The” by the artist Josman. The music video for the song shows scenes of objects being set on fire. Data from his iPhone shows he listened to the song nine times and watched the video three times in the four days before the blaze.
Essayli said Rinderknecht appeared to be “drawn to themes of despair and destruction.” The complaint suggests that his behavior before the fire was deliberate and emotionally charged.
Cellphone records show that Rinderknecht was the only person in the area when the Lachman Fire began. After setting the blaze, he tried to call 911, but the call did not go through due to poor reception. Prosecutors say he later returned to the same trail to watch the fire spread and recorded video of the burning hillside.
When questioned by investigators on Jan. 24, Rinderknecht revealed details about where the fire started—information not yet made public. Prosecutors said this showed he had firsthand knowledge of the ignition site. He also lied about his location that night, claiming he was at the base of the trail.
During the interview, agents noted that he was visibly anxious. The criminal complaint states that his efforts to call 911 and even his online inquiry to ChatGPT about whether a cigarette could start a fire were attempts to create an innocent explanation for the blaze.
Authorities say Rinderknecht admitted bringing a barbecue-style lighter with him that night. The same lighter was later found in his car. Investigators compared it to one seen in photos from his apartment taken the day before the fire.
Officials ruled out other possible causes, including fireworks, power lines, or lightning. They determined that the fire was intentionally set with an open flame, likely from the lighter found in Rinderknecht’s possession.
Uber confirmed it cooperated with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to trace Rinderknecht’s movements. The company said it worked closely with federal agents to verify his driving routes on the night of the fire.
Rinderknecht was arrested Tuesday in central Florida and appeared in court Wednesday in Orlando. Wearing shorts and a T-shirt, he spoke softly to the judge, saying he was clear-headed and not under the influence of any substances.
He faces a federal charge of malicious destruction by means of fire, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. Prosecutors said they will ask the court to deny him bond, citing the extreme damage caused by the fire and the risk of flight.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning, where the court will decide whether Rinderknecht remains in custody. The Palisades Fire stands as one of the costliest wildfires in California’s history. It destroyed hundreds of homes, scorched thousands of acres, and blanketed Los Angeles in smoke for days.
