Prosecutors say Palisades Fire suspect was obsessed with Luigi Mangione

Prosecutors say 30-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is charged in connection with the wildfire that killed 12 people and destroyed entire neighborhoods, had become fixated on Luigi Mangione.

(NBC)- Prosecutors say 30-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is charged in connection with the wildfire that killed 12 people and destroyed entire neighborhoods, had become fixated on Luigi Mangione — the man accused in the 2024 killing of a healthcare CEO.

Federal filings allege Rinderknecht’s online search history included phrases such as “Free Luigi Mangione” and “Let’s kill all the billionaires.”

Authorities say the accused arsonist, who worked as an Uber driver, was emotionally distraught over a failed relationship on New Year’s Eve when the fire was allegedly set.

Passengers who rode with Rinderknecht that night reportedly described him driving erratically and making repeated comments about Mangione.

According to investigators, Rinderknecht later referenced the healthcare CEO killing while discussing violence and desperation.

“The violence, that’s what happened with that CEO recently, that’s what happens when people get desperate,” prosecutors say he told investigators.

The devastating Palisades Fire burned through neighborhoods, leaving widespread destruction and claiming 12 lives.

Rinderknecht’s attorney has denied the allegations and told the Associated Press the proposed motive is a “misguided theory.”

Federal officials say the case reflects what they describe as a growing trend of politically or economically motivated violence.

Authorities pointed to another recent California arson case involving 29-year-old Chamel Abdulkarim, who is accused of setting fire to a large warehouse.

Investigators say Abdulkarim also referenced Mangione and allegedly expressed anti-capitalist beliefs before the fire.

“There is an extremely disturbing trend where people are resorting to violence to communicate political messages or economic messages,” said Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.

Both Rinderknecht and Abdulkarim have pleaded not guilty and remain in custody awaiting trial.