U.S. News
Suspect Admits Motivated Jackson Synagogue Fire
Clear Facts
- Stephen Pittman, 19, was charged in federal court for setting fire to Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi.
- Pittman confessed to the arson, motivated by the building’s Jewish identity, according to an FBI affidavit.
- The synagogue sustained extensive damage, but no congregants or firefighters were injured.
A Mississippi synagogue with a long history was targeted by arson over the weekend, resulting in federal charges for the suspect.
Stephen Pittman, 19, admitted to setting the fire and called the synagogue “the synagogue of Satan,” according to investigators.
Pittman’s father noticed burns on his son and turned him in after Pittman laughed and confessed to starting the blaze.
“Pittman laughed as he told his father what he did and said he finally got them,” the FBI reported.
Pittman appeared in U.S. District Court from a hospital bed with both hands bandaged.
A public defender was appointed to represent Pittman.
Prosecutors stated Pittman faces five to 20 years in prison if convicted.
When the judge informed him of his rights, Pittman responded, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”
The fire, which broke out after 3 a.m. Saturday, caused major damage to the library and offices of the synagogue.
Services at the synagogue have been suspended indefinitely.
Pittman admitted to being a high school graduate who completed some college, and he is scheduled to return to court on January 20 for further hearings.
Security footage showed a masked individual pouring gasoline and setting the fire, after Pittman allegedly prepared by buying fuel and removing his vehicle’s license plate.
Investigators believe Pittman also used an ax to break a window before igniting the building.
A phone believed to belong to Pittman and a hand torch were recovered from the scene.
Text messages sent by Pittman to his father referenced the location and his intentions before the fire began.
The fire destroyed two Torahs in the library; a Holocaust-surviving Torah was protected and unharmed.
Beth Israel Congregation is over 160 years old and is the state’s largest synagogue, previously bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in the 1960s.
“This news puts a face and name to this tragedy, but does not change our resolve to proudly — even defiantly — continue Jewish life in Jackson in the face of hatred,” said Beth Israel Congregation in a statement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi directed prosecutors to seek “severe penalties.”
“This disgusting act of anti-Semitic violence has no place in our country, and unlike the prior administration, this Department of Justice will not let anti-Semitism fester and flourish,” Bondi said.
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