Jonathan Rinderknecht Arrested on Federal Arson Charge in Pacific Palisades Fire That Killed 12
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in Orlando accusing him of starting a Jan. 1 brush fire in the Lachman area that investigators allege later rekindled and grew into the Jan. 7 Pacific Palisades blaze that killed 12; he faces a federal destruction‑of‑property‑by‑means‑of‑fire charge carrying a 5‑ to 20‑year sentence and was ordered held without bond. Prosecutors cite GPS/Uber data placing him near the fire’s origin, iPhone videos showing a green lighter, AI image prompts and ChatGPT activity, music and witness statements describing him as agitated, and allege he made false statements to investigators.
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📌 Key Facts
- Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in Orlando and charged with destruction of property by means of fire (a federal arson charge); the complaint cites a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years if convicted.
- Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht started the earlier Lachman Fire on Jan. 1, which investigators say rekindled and grew into the deadly Palisades Fire that killed 12 people.
- Investigators cite extensive digital and physical evidence: AI-generated image prompts and ChatGPT exchanges (including prior incendiary prompts and a query about cigarette-caused fires), iPhone videos taken from a nearby hilltop, repeated listening to the French rap song “Un Zder, Un Thé” by Josman, and a green barbecue-style lighter seen on video that allegedly matched his DNA.
- Timeline and location details in the federal complaint place him parking at Skull Rock Trailhead, hiking up Temescal Ridge Trail to the “Hidden Buddha” clearing late Dec. 31–early Jan. 1, with precise timestamps (e.g., 11:38–11:47 p.m. hike, 12:12 a.m. first camera glow, 12:17 a.m. 911 call) cited by investigators.
- Uber GPS data and company cooperation with the ATF place Rinderknecht near the Lachman fire origin on Jan. 1; Uber has revoked his access to the platform.
- A named passenger, Brennan White, and other passengers told investigators Rinderknecht was “agitated and angry” while driving that night; White provided an Uber receipt showing the driver’s name, time and location to LAPD detectives.
- The complaint alleges additional suspicious conduct: he took videos from the hilltop, made false statements to law enforcement, tried to contact a former friend that night, and later offered to help fight the fires — conduct investigators characterized as highly unusual.
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathan W. Hill ordered Rinderknecht held without bond pending trial, citing concerns including his mental health, unsteady income and complicated family relationships; family members attended the detention hearing.
📰 Sources (6)
Passenger says Uber driver accused in Palisades Fire was ‘nut job’ who ranted about Trump
New information:
- Named passenger Brennan White describes a New Year’s Eve Uber ride with suspect Jonathan Rinderknecht, calling him angry and ranting about not finding girls and criticizing Trump.
- White says LAPD detectives contacted him in February and he provided his Uber receipt showing the driver’s name (“Jon”), timestamp, and location; detectives asked about the driver’s behavior and clothing.
- White says the drop-off was in the San Fernando Valley just before midnight and believes they were likely one of the suspect’s earlier rides that night.
- Uber states it removed the driver’s access to the platform upon learning of the suspected involvement and has worked closely with ATF during the investigation.
Timeline of the Palisades Fire manhunt: From alleged midnight spark to Florida arrest
New information:
- Federal complaint timeline with precise timestamps (e.g., 11:38–11:47 p.m. hike to “Hidden Buddha” clearing; 12:12 a.m. first camera glow; 12:17 a.m. successful 911 call).
- Evidence that during/around the 911 call he asked ChatGPT, “Are you at fault if a fire is [lit] because of your cigarettes?” and received a 'Yes' response.
- Identification of prior ChatGPT activity and messages (July 11 dystopian burning-forest prompt; Nov. 1 statement about burning a Bible; Aug. 30 message to family).
- Specifics on a green barbecue-style lighter (alleged DNA match) seen on his iPhone video on Dec. 31.
- Detail that he repeatedly listened to the song “Un Zder, Un Thé” (Josman) before and after the hike.
- Location details: parking at Skull Rock Trailhead, route up Temescal Ridge Trail to 'Hidden Buddha' clearing.
- Witness detail that while Uber driving that night, passengers described him as 'agitated and angry.'
- Charge framing reiterated: arson of property receiving federal financial assistance (max 20-year penalty).
Palisades Fire suspect held without bond
New information:
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathan W. Hill ordered Jonathan Rinderknecht held without bond pending trial.
- Judge cited Rinderknecht’s mental health, unsteady income, and complicated family relationships as reasons for detention.
- Detention hearing took place in Orlando, Florida; three siblings attended and one sister cried after the ruling.
- Uber said it worked with ATF, its GPS data placed him near the Lachman fire origin on Jan. 1, and it has revoked his access to the platform.
- Complaint alleges he used an open flame to ignite the fire after dropping off passengers.
Who is Jonathan Rinderknecht, Palisades Fire suspect accused of sparking deadly blaze?
New information:
- DOJ details that Rinderknecht generated a ChatGPT image depicting a dystopian burning city (per criminal complaint).
- Complaint cites he repeatedly listened to French rap song 'Un Zder, Un Thé' by Josman, whose video shows objects being set on fire, around the time of the New Year’s fires.
- Investigators say he took iPhone videos from a nearby hilltop and made false statements to law enforcement.
- Complaint notes he tried to contact a former friend that night and then offered to help fight the fires — characterized by investigators as highly unusual conduct.
- Quote from Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli: 'a single person’s recklessness' caused one of L.A.’s worst fires; Fox also carries a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom on the tragedy.
Palisades Fire arrest made; suspect allegedly set earlier blaze that later ignited Jan. 7 LA inferno, officials say
New information:
- Suspect identified as 29‑year‑old Jonathan Rinderknecht and arrested on a federal criminal complaint.
- Charge specified: Destruction of Property by Means of Fire (felony) with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years if convicted.
- Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht started the earlier Lachman Fire on Jan. 1, which investigators say rekindled and grew into the Palisades Fire; investigators cite extensive digital evidence including an AI‑image prompt and passenger statements that he was 'agitated' while working as an Uber driver in the area.
- Court logistics: Rinderknecht scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Orlando, Florida at 1:30 p.m. local time Wednesday.