Democrats, Media Falsely Blamed Deadly California Fire On Climate Change—It Was Arson
The Feds say a suspect deliberately set the blaze, contradicting politicians and outlets that turned it into a climate talking point.
by Thomas Catenacci October 09, 2025, 8:25 AM in Extreme Weather, Legal, Media, News, Politics Reading
Democrats and media outlets were quick to blame climate change and oil companies for the devastating Palisades Fire that ravaged Los Angeles earlier this year. But that narrative crumbled on Wednesday when federal law enforcement officials charged a man with deliberately starting the fire. [emphasis, links added]
Federal prosecutors in California charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with one count of destruction of property by means of fire, a charge that carries a maximum time of 20 years in federal prison.
“While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope this criminal case brings some measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy,” said acting U.S. attorney Bill Essayli.
The charge—which Essayli said was informed by witness statements, video surveillance, cell phone data, and an analysis of fire dynamics conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives—cuts against the narrative prominent Democratic lawmakers and media outlets pushed following the tragic event.
https://climatechangedispatch.com/california-fire-arson-climate-change-blame/
