The individual taken into custody in connection with the catastrophic Palisades fire last year reportedly admired Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Experts are sounding the alarm over a rising trend of assassination culture in the U.S., and Jonathan Linderknecht has openly praised Mangione, adding to the alarming trend of violent offenders referencing him.
Jonathan Linderknecht — Palisades Fire
Linderknecht, 30, a former Uber driver, was arrested in October 2025 and charged with arson tied to the devastating Palisades fire that broke out on New Year’s Day 2025. Estimates indicate that the blaze charred over 23,000 acres and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, incurring damages estimated between $35 billion and $45 billion. Tragically, twelve individuals lost their lives due to the fire.
Last week, prosecutors highlighted Linderknecht’s apparent connection to Mangione in court documents. They noted, “In the months leading up to the fire, he had become increasingly discontent with his life and the world around him.” They mentioned that, particularly before the fire, Linderknecht became fixated on Mangione, who is accused of killing Thompson in December 2024.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Linderknecht had searched online for phrases like “Free Luigi Mangione,” and expressed animosity toward wealthy individuals. Statements from his Uber passengers indicated that, during the days surrounding the fire, he exhibited erratic and angry behavior, venting frustrations about capitalism and a perceived moral vendetta.
When asked by investigators why someone might start fires in the Pacific Palisades, he expressed feelings of resentment toward the affluent, claiming, “We are basically enslaved by them,” drawing parallels to the murders Mangione faced.
Daniel Moreno-Gama — Sam Altman and OpenAI Attacks
In April, Moreno-Gama, 20, allegedly traveled from Texas to San Francisco to commit an attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, where he reportedly used a Molotov cocktail on Altman’s property and made threats against OpenAI’s headquarters while being recorded on security footage.
Copycat Fears Arise: Altman Attack Suspect References Mangione
Earlier this year, Moreno-Gama ominously suggested transforming tech CEOs into “Luigis,” during an online chat, which raised concerns over potential copycat attacks.
Chamel Abdulkarim — Warehouse Arson Suspect
Abdulkarim, only 20, has also been charged with setting fire to a large warehouse in California earlier this month. He purportedly filmed himself igniting the blaze that caused extensive damage to a distribution center, leading to around $500 million in losses. In a distressing video, he aired grievances about his pay, asserting, “If you don’t pay us enough, then…” followed by expletives.
Prosecutors claim that subsequent communications involved Abdulkarim boasting about his actions, suggesting that others might empathize with his reasoning.
Ryan English — Alleged Plot to Kill Trump Ally
Ryan English, who previously went by “Riley Jane English,” reportedly approached a Capitol Police officer expressing a desire to surrender, claiming to possess explosives and knives with an intent to kill certain political figures.
He attributed his planned attack partially to a terminal illness. Court documents revealed that he had mentioned the influence of Mangione in his statements, which prosecutors used to justify concerns over his potential danger to the community.
Shane Tamra — NFL Headquarters Attack
In July, Shane Tamra launched a tragic assault on NFL headquarters, leading to multiple fatalities. Prosecutors linked his actions to the philosophy and sentiments that seemed to echo those associated with Mangione.
While Linderknecht’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment, they have previously asserted that Mangione does not support violence of any kind, denouncing attempts to associate him with such actions.
