The suspect has been charged with arson and destruction of property.
Federal officials announced the arrest of the suspected arsonist behind the Palisades Fire that destroyed parts of California earlier this year. The suspect faces federal charges, including destruction of property by means of fire. The 29-year-old man was found to have researched fire and burning on his computer ahead of the fire, including a number of ChatGPT prompts for images of burning houses and societal discord between “people in poverty” and the “richest people.”
“As the world watched in horror as the Palisades fire burned, victims perished in the smoke and flames,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for Southern California. “Homes where cherished family memories and belongings were turned to rubble and ash. The iconic Pacific Coast Highway along Malibu looked like a war zone. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate. The homes and businesses cannot be rebuilt.”
The man, who was born in France, has been held without bail due to having recently threatened to burn down his sister’s house in Florida.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the judge to be prudent as he hears and rules on the suspected arsonist’s federal case.
- For Acting U.S. Attorney Essayli as he serves the Justice Department in Southern California.
- For the victims and survivors of the Palisades fire as they seek to recover from the devastation.
Sources: CNN, NY Post, MSN