A 29‑year‑old firefighter from Florida, Jonathan Rinderknecht, faces federal charges for sparking one of the most destructive wildfires ever seen in Los Angeles. Prosecutors say the blaze, now known as the Palisades Fire, destroyed homes in the Pacific Palisades and caused millions in damage.
Rinderknecht entered a not‑guilty plea on Thursday in a federal court in Los Angeles. He was charged with malicious destruction by fire, arson that affected property used in interstate commerce, and setting timber on fire. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
The suspect appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rozella Oliver wearing a white jumpsuit. His lawyer, Steve Haney, argued for bail and said the man had no prior record. However, the judge ordered Rinderknecht to remain in federal custody.
During the hearing, Rinderknecht made a sudden interruption. “Can I actually say something about detainment?” he asked the judge, stirring the courtroom. He and his lawyer are planning to bring new evidence next time to try to get bail approved.
The January 1 blaze that began in a National Forest, called the Lachman Fire, is considered the spark that grew into the Palisades Fire a week later. Prosecutors say the suspect set the fire on federal land belonging to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Over the next several days, the fire spread, fueled by hot winds and dry brush, endangering homes and federal property.
Rinderknecht was first taken into custody in Florida on Oct. 7. He filed his initial court appearance the next day on a charge of “malicious destruction by fire.” A grand jury later added two more counts: arson affecting interstate commerce property and timber set on fire. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The judge in Florida previously cited mental‑health concerns and the risk of flight when ordering Rinderknecht’s detention. Haney has said the defendant is a “frustrated young man” who does not understand why he is in jail.
The trial is set for December 16. In the meantime, federal authorities and local fire crews are working to keep the surrounding neighborhoods safe while waiting for the outcome. The Palisades Fire remains a stark reminder of the growing threat of wildfires in California, especially when fueled by climate‑change conditions and human activity.
Source: Fox News
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
