PACIFIC PALISADES—On October 8, the California U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a press release announcing the arrest of Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, aka “Jonathan Rinder,” aka “Jon Rinder,” of Florida for starting the Palisades Fire. He made his first appearance in court today. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Assayli made the following statement:

“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. 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 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Los Angeles Field Division spoke on the tremendous loss homeowners suffered due to the fire:

“At the request of the state and local authorities, [Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms] lead this complex investigation utilizing techniques unique to our agency’s capabilities. 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 the community. We remain committed to serving with integrity and distinction.”

Official reports from an affidavit filed with the complaint, law enforcement determined that the Palisades fire began with the Lachman fire that started in the early morning hours on January 1, 2025. Firefighters extinguished that fire in a timely fashion. Unbeknownst to all, the fire continued to smolder, beneath the ground, burning roots and dense vegetation.

On January 7, heavy winds blew new life into the fire spreading quickly throughout Pacific Palisades causing mass destruction and irreparable damage.

Investigators were able to confirm through surveillance footage, cell phone data, and other analysis that it was Rinderknecht who originally set the Lachman Fire just after midnight on New Years Day.

According to a press release by the California U.S. Attorney’s office the land where Rinderknecht set the fire was owned by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). Within a week’s time, the fire spread burning federal property.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, who was working as an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve in 2024, made two separate trips to that area. Local law enforcement later noted that they spoke to Rinderknecht that night, and he appeared agitated.

After he dropped off his last passenger(s), Rinderknecht, who had once lived in the area, took a ride up to Skull Rock Tailhead. He called an old friend as he walked up the trail. He was listening to a rap song. The beats on video depict catching things on fire.

Authorities confirmed that the fire began on January 1, precisely at 12:12 a.m. Rinderknecht indicated that he attempted to call 911 several times but could not get through. He was out of range and could not connect the call until he was at the bottom of the hiking trail when he reported the fire. By that time, a neighbor had already notified authorities.

Rinderknecht fled the scene of the crime at a high rate of speed, stopping at just after 1:00 a.m. to take cell phone video of the fire he created.

The following information came directly from the press release:

“If convicted, Rinderknecht would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
ATF is investigating this matter, with substantial assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department and the United States Forest Service.”