LOS ANGELES, CA – Federal authorities have arrested a former Los Angeles resident now living in Florida for allegedly igniting the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in city history, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced Wednesday.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, also known as “Jonathan Rinder” or “Jon Rinder,” was taken into custody Tuesday in Melbourne, Florida, and charged with destruction of property by means of fire. He is accused of deliberately setting the Lachman Fire on January 1, 2025, which later reignited underground and spread a week later as the Palisades Fire, killing at least one person and destroying multiple homes.
Prosecutors: suspect’s anger led to “reckless, malicious act”
According to a federal affidavit, investigators believe Rinderknecht intentionally started the original fire just after midnight on New Year’s Day near the Skull Rock Trailhead in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
On the night of the blaze, Rinderknecht — working as an Uber driver — was described by passengers as “agitated and angry.” After dropping off a fare, he parked his car, walked into a nearby hillside area, took videos on his iPhone, and listened to a rap song featuring fire imagery. Minutes later, sensors detected the start of the blaze.
Authorities say Rinderknecht called 911 multiple times but initially failed to connect due to poor reception. When firefighters responded, he returned to the scene, filming the fire as crews battled the flames.
Fire reignited as deadly Palisades inferno
Although firefighters quickly contained the original Lachman Fire, investigators determined it continued burning underground and resurfaced amid strong winds on January 7, becoming the Palisades Fire. The inferno swept through federal land owned by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which receives federal funding.
Law enforcement and ATF lead joint probe
“This case shows how one person’s recklessness can devastate an entire community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “While we cannot undo the loss, this prosecution brings a measure of accountability.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department and U.S. Forest Service.
If convicted, Rinderknecht faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison.
