Who is Palisades fire suspect? 29-year-old had AI-generated image of ‘burning city’

Authorities revealed on Wednesday (Oct 8) that a 29-year-old man from Florida has been arrested on suspicion of starting the devastating Palisades Fire in Los Angeles that killed 12 people in January. In a press conference, the authorities alleged that Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former Uber driver, “maliciously” set the blaze that burned down more than 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares) and took until January 31 to contain. The fire turned into one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history and resulted in “death and widespread destruction.”

Rinderknecht was apprehended on Tuesday (Oct 7) near his home in Florida and has been charged with destruction of property by means of fire, said Bill Essayli, acting US Attorney for the Central District of California. Essayli revealed that among the evidence collected from his digital devices was an AI-generated image depicting a burning city made by him.

“Today we are announcing the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on a criminal complaint charging him with maliciously starting what became the Palisades Fire in January,” Essayli said in a post on X.

“The complaint alleges that Rinderknecht’s started a fire in Pacific Palisades on New Year's Day -- a blaze that eventually turned into one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history, causing death and widespread destruction,” he added.
Essayli further said, “While we cannot undo the damage and destruction that was done, we hope his arrest and the charges against him bring some measure of justice to the victims of this horrific tragedy.”

Authorities had earlier said that they would announce additional details regarding a “significant development” related to the investigation into the LA fires. The Palisades fire, which started in early January, burned down more than 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares), destroying about 6,000 structures around Los Angeles and resulting in damages of about $150 billion.

Rinderknecht’s is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday (Oct 8) at 1:30 pm EDT in the US District Court in Orlando. Essayli added that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.