Uber Driver Accused of Starting Deadly Palisades Fire

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have detailed evidence suggesting Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 30-year-old Uber driver, started a small blaze known as the Lachman fire on January 1, 2025, atop Hidden Buddha Hill in Pacific Palisades, California. The fire smoldered undetected for a week before reigniting amid high winds on January 7, becoming the Palisades wildfire that killed 12 people, destroyed about 6,500 structures in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and caused billions in damages.

Court documents filed last week outline Rinderknecht's alleged motive as resentment toward the wealthy. Investigators found searches on his computer for "Free Luigi" and "lets kill all billionaires" in December 2024. Luigi Mangione faces state and federal murder charges for the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Rinderknecht reportedly viewed Mangione as a folk hero acting against economic inequality.

Passengers in Rinderknecht's Uber rides on New Year's Eve 2024 and January 1 described him as angry and erratic, ranting about Mangione, capitalism, and vigilantism. Prosecutors say he was distraught over a recent breakup, leaving voicemails for an...