AMERICANALMANAC (Alan Benson) - Prosecutors say Palisades Fire suspect was driven by anti-capitalist rage and resentment of the wealthy
Federal prosecutors heading into an October retrial say the man accused of igniting the 2025 Palisades Fire, the third most destructive wildfire in California history, was motivated by deep-seated hatred of the rich and a desire for "societal revenge." Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old former Uber driver and U.S.-French dual national, faces up to 45 years […] The post Prosecutors say Palisades Fire suspect was driven by anti-capitalist rage and resentment of the wealthy appeared first on American Almanac .
Federal prosecutors heading into an October retrial say the man accused of igniting the 2025 Palisades Fire, the third most destructive wildfire in California history, was motivated by deep-seated hatred of the rich and a desire for "societal revenge." Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old former Uber driver and U.S.-French dual national, faces up to 45 years in prison on three federal charges: destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire. He has pleaded not guilty. His first trial ended in a mistrial in June after jurors deadlocked 10-2 in favor of acquittal following 14 hours of deliberation. A retrial is set to begin October 19, 2026, before U.S. District Court…Open