A US man has been accused of deliberately starting the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, allegedly driven by anger and frustration over his personal life, including not having a date for New Year’s Eve. Prosecutors claim 30-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, who worked as an Uber driver, exhibited “extreme anger, indignation, and frustration” in the days leading up to the incident after failing to make social plans for New Year’s Eve 2024.

According to court filings, Rinderknecht dropped off passengers in the Pacific Palisades area before hiking up a hillside where he allegedly started a small fire using a BIC barbecue lighter. Investigators say the initial blaze appeared to have been extinguished, but later reignited on January 7, 2025, ultimately developing into the devastating Palisades Fire.

The wildfire went on to kill 12 people and destroy thousands of homes in one of Los Angeles’ most affluent neighbourhoods. Authorities estimate that the Palisades Fire, along with another major wildfire on the same day, caused combined economic losses of around $65 billion, making it one of the costliest fire disasters in insurance history.

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Prosecutors also allege that Rinderknecht became increasingly isolated and angry with society and was influenced by online content and figures linked to anti-billionaire sentiment. They claim forensic evidence from his devices showed searches related to extremist content and discussions about violence, which they say support their theory of motive. He is also accused of expressing resentment toward wealthy communities, allegedly describing society as exploitative during questioning.

Rinderknecht has been charged and is set to go on trial on June 8, facing the possibility of up to 45 years in prison if convicted. His defence lawyer has denied all allegations, arguing that there is no evidence directly linking him to the origin of the fires and suggesting that fire officials may have mishandled the initial blaze. The case is expected to be closely watched due to its scale, financial impact, and unusual alleged motive.

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