BREAKING: Today we are announcing the arrest of  29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on a criminal complaint charging him with maliciously starting what became the Palisades Fire in January.

The complaint alleges that Rinderknecht's started a fire in Pacific Palisades on New Year's Day -- a blaze that eventually turned into one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history, causing death and widespread destruction.

Among the evidence that was collected from his digital devices was an image he generated on ChatGPT depicting a burning city.

While we cannot undo the damage and destruction that was done, we hope his arrest and the charges against him bring some measure of justice to the victims of this horrific tragedy.

Rinderknecht's initial appearance is scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m. EDT in U.S. District Court in Orlando. Rinderknecht is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli

🧢 NBCLA LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/live/um5I1ItItFU?si=adA1q4hCLWjZmOt4

Omaha police union calls attention to dangers of job after an officer is shot in line of duty.

The Omaha Police Officers Association said Monday's shooting is just one of several instances in the past 11 months that an officer has been shot at, and they say it's a trend that needs to end.

Former West Sacramento police officer killed in the line of duty.

Officer Ray Barrantes of the Chowchilla Police Department was killed in a crash Friday night while on duty, leaving behind a legacy of service and family dedication.💙

When a 86-year-old woman went missing after falling while walking her dog, the heroic canine grabbed the attention of an Okaloosa County sheriff's deputy and led her to the injured woman.

http://officer.com/55321672/

HAPPENING TODAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE:

"President Donald Trump is set to host a roundtable at the White House Wednesday afternoon to hear from victims who have experienced Antifa's violence first-hand."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/behind-scenes-trumps-anticipated-antifa-roundtable-cabinet-members

🎥 Portland Riots 2021

The Green Machine is bringing the energy to Chicago!

These fine Chicagoans got fist bumps instead of handcuffs. With Chicago’s support, Operation Midway Blitz will be here until we accomplish our mission.🤝

Commander Op At Large CA Gregory K. Bovino

NEW: Per the federal complaint vs the Palisades Fire arson suspect Jonathan Rinderknecht, he asked Chat GPT “Are you at fault if a fire is lift [sic] because of your cigarettes" shortly after cell phone data placed him at the scene of a fire breaking out in the Palisades in the early morning hours of New Year's Day.

Investigators say he had just dropped off an Uber rider in the Palisades, then surveillance video shows him driving up to and parking at the Skull Rock trailhead.

He then allegedly walked up the trail to an area known as the "Hidden Budha". A short time later, cameras began to detect the start of what would later turn into the Palisades Fire. Feds say Rinderknecht then repeatedly tried to call 911, with his phone data placing him 30 feet away from the fire's ignition.

Feds say he then drove away from the fire as fire engines passed by him as they raced to put it out, then later watched firefighters try to fight the flames, and offered to help them fight it, which they describe as "unusual behavior".

Feds say their investigation ruled out fireworks, power lines, refraction of sunlight on glass, and lightning as the source of ignition. Despite his Chat GPT search regarding cigarettes, Feds say they also ruled out cigarettes as the cause of the fire.

Feds say they are confident the suspect was the only person in the area at the time of the fire's ignition, and no other cell phone's were pinging in the area, and that the suspect admitted to bringing a lighter up on the trail with him.

IMPORTANT:

"The investigative team determined that the cause of the Lachman Fire was incendiary, i.e., an
intentional ignition of a fire in an area or under circumstances where or when there should not be a fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be the introduction of an open flame (likely a lighter) to a combustible material such as vegetation or paper."
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The question now becomes what, if any, liability will the city of Los Angeles face given ATF's findings that the Palisades Fire was a reignite of the Lachman Fire on New Year's Day, and there were few LAFD resources in the Palisades during the major windstorm when it reignited.

Bill Melugin

If you believe in saving lives and protecting the innocent... THIS is your moment to get in the fight. Every agency in America should partner with this NPO focused on targeting human traffickers across the country.

Read more: https://lawenforcementtoday.com/dallas-nonprofit-human-traffickers-backpage

We’re into the second week of the Democrats’ Shutdown.

Our brave men and women of law enforcement—with families, bills, and car payments to make—continue to defend our homeland against violent criminals without pay.

They are heroes. Thank a law enforcement officer today.

Secretary Kristi Noem

Rest in Peace, Police Officer Henry Franklin of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety in Missouri. End of Watch: October 6, 2025.

Officer Franklin served for 12 years and had also served with the U.S. Army National Guard. He is survived by his wife and 4 children.

The FBI sends our prayers and condolences to Officer Franklin’s family, friends, and colleagues he leaves behind. They have our full support.

FBI Director Kash Patel

MUST WATCH: A day after the Palisades fire started Gavin Newsom was already blaming climate change for the fire and local officials for the lack of water.

California spends billions each year on fighting climate change but having water and working fire trucks apparently are not priorities.

Chicago: Child found shot to death in Washington Park earlier this morning.

Will the Governor of Illinois wake up and accept help for Chicago? Border Czar, Tom Homan answers.

NPA spokesperson Betsy Brantner Smith joined NEWSMAX discussing national guard troops arriving in Chicago

CRACKDOWN IN PORTLAND:

Bill Hemmer walks us through the WORST OF THE WORST arrested by I.C.E. in the blue city.

This month, we proudly honor the rich history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans who have helped shape our nation and law enforcement community.

Among the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s most respected pioneers was Martin G. Aguirre, who served as Sheriff in the late 19th century. Aguirre joined the Department as a Deputy Sheriff in 1885 and made lasting innovations that continue to define our heritage today. He designed the rounded tips on our six-pointed star badge to prevent deputies from being cut while riding horseback. In 1886, Aguirre and his horse, El Capitan, courageously saved 19 people from the Los Angeles River during a devastating flood. He helped acquire the Department’s first automobile in 1907, ushering in a new era of modern policing.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor Sheriff Aguirre and all those whose heritage, service, and values continue to strengthen our Department and community.

Antifa terrorists are waging WAR on our homeland.

Sanctuary politicians need to STOP playing politics and start protecting their citizens. And if they won’t—WE WILL.

President Trump and I will never surrender our cities to criminal illegal aliens and domestic terrorists.

Secretary Kristi Noem

We will join community members, local faith leaders, and law enforcement partners, including Gresham Police, for the upcoming Faith & Blue event from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Gresham, Oregon.

https://www.mcso.us/news-information/multnomah-county-sheriffs-office-participate-faith-blue-event-gresham

Multnomah Co. Sheriff’s Office