Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Friday, June 26, 2026

A mistrial was declared Friday in the federal trial of a 30-year-old former Uber driver accused of setting what would become the destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Jonathan Rinderknecht was on trial for destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. But on Friday, the 13th day of trial, U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang declared a mistrial after the jurors said they were unable to reach a verdict on any of the felony charges, with a final vote of 10 to 2 for acquittal. "The court finds there's a manifest necessity to declare a mistrial in this case due to a jury deadlock," Hwang said.

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COMPLETE INCOMPETENCE

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"COMPLETE INCOMPETENCE"

Does not threaten Donald Trump.

#1 | Posted by Zed at 2026-06-26 01:22 PM | Reply

Based upon the reporting I have seen, it seems that the Trump lawyers (a.k.a., the DoJ) wanted to place the blame on someone, anyone, regardless of the credibility of the evidence they presented.

The Defense seemed to be able to show other evidence that cast significant doubts upon the case presented by Pres Trump's lawyers.


#2 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-06-26 07:59 PM | Reply

To be fair...the firestorm absolutely came from a fire previously thought to be out. But whether this guy set it or kids with fireworks....ummm, you need this prickly thing called "evidence"

#3 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-06-26 09:28 PM | Reply

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