Federal authorities say Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old Uber driver and Biden campaign donor, has been arrested for allegedly igniting the Palisades Fire — the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.
Officials claim Rinderknecht set the blaze “maliciously” after dropping off passengers near a hiking trail in Pacific Palisades shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day. The inferno killed 12 people, destroyed more than 6,000 homes, and caused $150 billion in damage.
Rinderknecht, who reportedly had a fascination with “dystopian imagery” and despair, allegedly filmed the scene, listened to a French rap song about fire, and even asked ChatGPT whether he was “at fault if a fire is left because of your cigarettes.”
He was arrested in Florida and will be extradited to California to face federal arson charges.
The DX Brief
- Palisades Fire killed 12, destroyed 6,000+ homes, and caused $150B in damage.
- Accused arsonist allegedly obsessed with fire and dystopian art.
- Prosecutors say he filmed the blaze and called 911 while watching it spread.
- Rinderknecht donated $2 to Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, FEC records show.
- Arrested in Florida; facing federal charges for malicious destruction by fire.
Read the full article at New York Post.