By Political Bourbon News Staff
LOS ANGELES – A man who once lived in Pacific Palisades and now resides in Florida has been arrested for allegedly starting one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, also known as “Jonathan Rinder” or “Jon Rinder,” of Melbourne, Florida, has been charged with destruction of property by means of fire. The blaze he is accused of starting, known as the Palisades Fire, tore through the Los Angeles community in January 2025, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Rinderknecht was taken into custody in Florida and is expected to make his first court appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Federal Authorities Describe “One Man’s Recklessness”
“The complaint alleges that a single person’s recklessness caused one of the worst fires Los Angeles has ever seen, resulting in death and widespread destruction in Pacific Palisades,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope this criminal case brings some measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy.”
Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said the agency led the complex investigation at the request of local authorities. “The horrific loss of life and property was significantly felt by ATF members, and we are honored to utilize our expertise to provide answers to this community,” he said.
Investigation Links Fire to New Year’s Day Blaze
Court documents state that the Palisades Fire originated from a smaller blaze known as the Lachman Fire, which began early on New Year’s Day 2025. Although firefighters initially contained the Lachman Fire, it continued to smolder underground within dense vegetation.
A week later, on January 7, heavy winds reignited the embers, causing the underground fire to resurface and spread rapidly. The resulting Palisades Fire burned through homes, hillsides, and federal lands, becoming one of Los Angeles’ most destructive wildfires.
Investigators allege that Rinderknecht set the original fire shortly after midnight on January 1, 2025, near Skull Rock Trailhead on land owned by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). Evidence collected included witness statements, surveillance video, cellphone data, and analysis of fire dynamics and burn patterns.
Timeline of the Night in Question
On December 31, 2024, Rinderknecht was reportedly working as an Uber driver and appeared agitated during his shifts that night. After dropping off a passenger near his old neighborhood, he drove to a nearby hiking area, walked up a trail, and took videos while listening to a song that featured scenes of fire.
At approximately 12:12 a.m., sensors detected the start of the Lachman Fire. Rinderknecht made multiple failed attempts to reach 911 before successfully connecting and reporting the fire. By that time, another resident had already notified authorities.
According to investigators, Rinderknecht fled the scene, only to return moments later, following fire engines back to the area to record additional videos.
False Statements and Evidence Trail
During an interview with investigators weeks later, Rinderknecht allegedly lied about his location at the time of the fire. While he claimed to have been at the bottom of the trail, cellphone data placed him just 30 feet from where the flames first appeared.
If convicted, Rinderknecht faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.
Agencies Involved
The ATF led the investigation, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department and the U.S. Forest Service. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Environmental Crimes, Consumer Protection, and Public Corruption sections are handling the case.
As with all criminal complaints, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
