Story perspectives

Ex-Uber Driver on Trial for 2025 Palisades Fire

6/9/2026

Center

Rinderknecht Fire Trial

Jonathan Rinderknecht used a Bic barbecue lighter, filmed fire on his iPhone, and was 30 feet from blaze by cell-phone data.
A Los Angeles court is trying former Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht for 2025 Palisades Fire and he pleaded not guilty.
The Palisades Fire burned 23,448 acres, destroyed about 6,800 structures and killed 12 people.
The 11-day trial overlaps the Los Angeles mayoral primary, making the fire a campaign issue.

Left

Rinderknecht Trial

Prosecutors argue Rinderknecht acted out of resentment toward wealthy elites, linking his motive to the Mangione murder case.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, Uber driver, is on trial in a Los Angeles federal courthouse for allegedly igniting the 2025 Palisades Fire.
District Judge Anne Hwang barred AI-generated fire images and claims of fire-department negligence from evidence.
Federal officials warn anti-wealth arson, citing a recent Ontario, California warehouse fire, may inspire copycats.

History

Historical Context

The November 2-11 1993 Malibu fire, fueled by Santa Ana winds after a six-year drought, destroyed 739 homes and killed three people in Old Topanga. It followed earlier arson-linked blazes, such as the 1985 Decker fire that razed six homes, prompting Malibu to adopt the nation’s strictest fire codes. These precedents shaped responses to later catastrophes like the 2018 Woolsey and 2025 Palisades fires.

1 of 3

Rinderknecht Fire Trial

Jonathan Rinderknecht used a Bic barbecue lighter, filmed fire on his iPhone, and was 30 feet from blaze by cell-phone data.
A Los Angeles court is trying former Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht for 2025 Palisades Fire and he pleaded not guilty.
The Palisades Fire burned 23,448 acres, destroyed about 6,800 structures and killed 12 people.
The 11-day trial overlaps the Los Angeles mayoral primary, making the fire a campaign issue.

1 / 3