Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on a criminal complaint alleging he maliciously started the Palisades Fire in January. The complaint states Rinderknecht ignited a fire in Pacific Palisades on New Year’s Day, which escalated into one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history, resulting in fatalities and extensive damage. Evidence recovered from his digital devices included an image generated via ChatGPT depicting a burning city. Rinderknecht’s initial court appearance is scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m. EDT in U.S. District Court in Orlando. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.