A Mississippi synagogue previously targeted by the Ku Klux Klan was recently set on fire by a suspect who confessed to his father that he intentionally chose the historic Jewish house of worship for the arson attack. The FBI revealed that Stephen Pittman, the 19-year-old suspect, was charged with damaging the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, using fire. Pittman referred to the synagogue as “the synagogue of Satan.”
During a federal court hearing attended via video call from a hospital bed, Pittman, who had his hands bandaged, disclosed that he had attended a nearby Catholic high school and completed three college semesters. Facing a potential sentence of five to 20 years in prison if found guilty, Pittman asserted his religious beliefs by stating, “Jesus Christ is Lord” when his rights were read to him.
The suspect’s preliminary and detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized seeking harsh penalties in response to the incident. The Beth Israel Congregation expressed determination to continue its Jewish activities in Jackson despite the hateful act.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, caused significant damage to the synagogue’s library and offices. Five Torahs inside the sanctuary were being evaluated for smoke damage, while two Torahs in the library were destroyed. Fortunately, a Holocaust-surviving Torah remained unharmed. The synagogue’s security footage captured a masked individual pouring liquid from a gas can inside the building.
Pittman’s father reported his son’s confession to the authorities, revealing text messages indicating the premeditation of the arson. Pittman admitted to purchasing gasoline before vandalizing the synagogue using an axe. The synagogue’s president, Zach Shemper, affirmed plans to rebuild, with support from local churches offering alternative worship spaces during the restoration process.
Established in 1860, Beth Israel Congregation has a history of resilience against hate, exemplified by its former rabbi’s advocacy for civil rights during the civil rights era. Governor Tate Reeves condemned the arson, emphasizing solidarity with the synagogue members. The incident adds to a series of antisemitic acts in the U.S., underlining the escalating threat of antisemitic violence, as highlighted by the Anti-Defamation League.