Authorities announced the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on a criminal complaint charging him with maliciously starting the Palisades Fire in January.
The blaze, which began on New Year’s Day in Pacific Palisades, grew into one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history, causing deaths and widespread property damage. Investigators said evidence collected from Rinderknecht’s digital devices included an image he generated on ChatGPT depicting a burning city.
In a press conference announcing the developments, investigators said they have collected over 13,000 pieces of evidence to uncover what sparked the fire. Rinderknecht’s initial appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. EDT today in U.S. District Court in Orlando. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Officials said while the damage cannot be undone, the arrest and charges may bring some measure of justice to the victims.
Source: Bill Essayli, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
