U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

An Indiana woman admitted to purchasing a Glock pistol linked to a deadly shooting at Swedish Hospital in Chicago, which resulted in a police officer's death and another's critical injury. She lied about her address and drug use during the 2024 purchase for a boyfriend legally barred from owning firearms. The ATF traced the gun to her, and a suspect in the shooting was separately charged but not connected to her in federal cases.

A jury deadlocked in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former Uber driver accused of starting the Palisades Fire that destroyed thousands of homes. Prosecutors claim he intentionally set the fire in 2025 to retaliate against the wealthy, while his defense argues fireworks were the likely cause and the investigation was flawed.

A Los Angeles jury is determining if former Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht intentionally started a fire on New Year’s Day 2025 that later became the city’s most destructive firestorm. Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht, motivated by resentment toward the wealthy, ignited the Lachman Fire, which smoldered and reignited during Santa Ana winds, destroying thousands of homes. Evidence includes geolocation data linking him to the fire’s origin and his prolonged presence at the site.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting a brush fire that became the Palisades Fire, denied seeing or hearing fireworks during an interview with investigators. Prosecution presented evidence including geolocation data and security footage to challenge his account, while his defense claims the fire was caused by fireworks. A fire investigator testified that Rinderknecht appeared dishonest during the interview.

A prosecution expert testified that the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles could not have been caused by New Year’s Eve fireworks, contradicting the suspect Jonathan Rinderknecht’s defense. Evidence including video footage and witness statements showed Rinderknecht was alone near the fire’s origin and did not observe fireworks, while a Bic lighter found in his car was linked to the blaze.

Jonathan Rinderknecht is accused of igniting the Palisades Fire, with security footage showing his vehicle following fire engines to the blaze site. Prosecutors allege embers from the initial fire reignited during Santa Ana winds, causing a firestorm. Rinderknecht faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.