Mississippi Man Faces Federal Charges for Alleged Synagogue Arson
Authorities in Mississippi have charged a young man with setting fire to a historic synagogue in Jackson. Stephen Spencer Pittman, a 19-year-old resident of Madison, Mississippi, now faces serious federal charges for this act.
The Early Morning Blaze at Beth Israel
The fire erupted shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday at the Beth Israel Congregation. This synagogue holds the distinction of being the largest and only synagogue in Mississippi's capital city. Thankfully, no congregants or firefighters sustained injuries during the incident.
However, the blaze caused significant damage to the building's library and administrative offices. Several sacred scrolls were either destroyed or badly damaged by the flames.
Suspect's Alleged Motivation and Actions
According to an FBI affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Mississippi, Pittman admitted to setting the fire. He reportedly cited the synagogue's "Jewish ties" as his reason for the attack. During police questioning, law enforcement officials stated that Pittman referred to the building as the "synagogue of Satan."
Security camera footage released by the synagogue shows a masked and hooded individual using a gas can. This person poured liquid on the floor and a couch in the lobby just before the fire started. Investigators say Pittman told them he stopped at a gas station on the way to purchase the gasoline used in the arson.
The suspect also removed his vehicle's license plate before the incident. His father later alerted authorities after receiving a concerning message from his son. The FBI recovered a burned cell phone believed to belong to Pittman. Investigators also took possession of a hand torch found at the scene.
Historical Significance and Community Response
Beth Israel Congregation was founded in 1860 and carries deep civil rights history. The synagogue was previously bombed by the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group, back in 1967.
Community leaders have strongly condemned this latest attack. The synagogue's president has pledged to rebuild the damaged areas, noting that local churches have offered their support.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn called the arson a direct threat to both community safety and religious freedom. He emphasized the importance of protecting places of worship for all faiths.
Legal Proceedings and Suspect's Condition
Pittman was charged on Monday with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive. The suspect received treatment for non-life-threatening burns following the incident.
Once medical professionals clear him, Pittman is expected to face further legal proceedings in connection with the alleged arson attack.
