A 19-year-old individual has been charged in connection with an arson fire that caused extensive damage to the Beth Israel Congregation, Mississippi's oldest synagogue, in Jackson on Saturday, January 10. The synagogue sustained significant damage to its library, administrative offices, and lobby, resulting in its indefinite closure. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Incident Details
The fire at Beth Israel Congregation was reported to 911 shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday. Fire investigators classified the blaze as "incendiary," originating in the synagogue's library and extending towards the sanctuary. Surveillance video footage from inside the synagogue reportedly showed an individual in a hooded sweatshirt pouring liquid from a container, identified as gasoline, and starting the fire.
Investigation and Arrest
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Jackson Police Department, and the Jackson Fire Department, initiated an investigation. Information received from a local hospital regarding a possible burn victim led to the arrest of Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, on Saturday evening.
Pittman's father reportedly contacted the FBI after his son confessed to him about setting the fire. Location data from a family tracking application and GPS data reportedly corroborated the confession, indicating Pittman's travel from his home to a gas station and then to the synagogue. Pittman was found at a local hospital with non-life-threatening burn injuries, including on his ankles, hands, and face. A burned cell phone believed to belong to Pittman and a hand torch were recovered at the synagogue.
Suspect's Alleged Actions and Stated Motive
Authorities state that Pittman confessed to setting the fire "due to (the) building's Jewish ties." During interviews, he reportedly referred to the building as the "synagogue of Satan." Pittman reportedly told authorities he bought gas, removed his vehicle's license plate, used an axe to break a window, poured gasoline inside, and ignited it with a torch lighter. Hours before the fire, an Instagram account reportedly belonging to Pittman displayed a video clip of a caricature identified by the Anti-Defamation League as an antisemitic meme. Law enforcement also indicated that the suspect posted antisemitic comments online. The Department of Justice stated that Pittman acted alone.
Damage Assessment
The fire caused extensive damage to a significant portion of the building, rendering it inoperable for an indefinite period. Repairs could take at least a year. The synagogue's library was destroyed, including all its contents. Two Torah scrolls were destroyed, and five others were damaged. A Torah that survived the Holocaust was protected and remained undamaged. The synagogue's Tree of Life plaque was also destroyed. Administrative offices and the lobby suffered extensive smoke and soot damage.
Legal Proceedings
Stephen Spencer Pittman, of Madison, Mississippi, has been charged with "arson of property used in interstate commerce or used in an activity affecting interstate commerce" under Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i). He appeared in federal court via video link from a hospital bed and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 20. If convicted, Pittman faces a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 20 years imprisonment. The Jackson Fire Department has filed arson charges, and federal authorities will determine whether to pursue hate crime charges. A criminal complaint is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Historical Context
Beth Israel Congregation, founded in 1860, is the state's oldest synagogue and Jackson's only synagogue. This is the second fire attack on the synagogue, which was previously bombed on September 18, 1967, by members of the Ku Klux Klan. That historical event was reportedly a response to the congregation's involvement in civil rights activities, with Rabbi Perry Nussbaum supporting activists and helping to rebuild Black churches attacked by white supremacists. The building is also home to the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, which supports Jewish communities across 13 to 14 southern states.
Community and Official Responses
Zach Shemper, president of Beth Israel Congregation, stated that the congregation is assessing the damage and remains committed to rebuilding. Multiple local churches have offered their spaces for temporary services.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn stated that acts of antisemitism and religious hatred are considered attacks on the city and its residents' safety and freedom to worship. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as an act of anti-Semitic violence and stated that prosecutors would seek severe penalties. FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the FBI's role in protecting Jewish communities from targeted anti-Semitic attacks. U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger indicated his office would seek the most serious charges warranted. Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office emphasized the right of citizens to worship free of violence and intimidation and stated Pittman's alleged actions would not be tolerated.
Suspect Background
Pittman was reportedly a high-achieving student, making the honor roll at St. Joseph Catholic School and earning a spot on a National Junior College Athletic Association All-Academic Team while playing baseball at Coahoma Community College. Both institutions issued statements condemning hate crimes and violence. Pittman's social media profiles reportedly described him as a "follower of Christ" and a "Fitness/High Drive Coach," referencing Bible verses and offering "faith-based transformation."