A Mississippi synagogue, previously targeted by the Ku Klux Klan, was set on fire by a suspect who confessed to his father that he deliberately attacked the Jewish place of worship, the FBI revealed on Monday. Stephen Pittman, 19, was charged with arson for igniting a fire at the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, referring to it as “the synagogue of Satan.” During his initial court appearance attended remotely from a hospital bed, Pittman, with bandaged hands, disclosed his educational background and faced the possibility of five to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
The suspect’s father alerted authorities after Pittman texted him a photo of the synagogue before the incident. Pittman admitted to purchasing gasoline, removing his license plate, breaking a window with an axe, and setting the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the fire caused significant damage to the synagogue, including the destruction of two Torahs.
The Beth Israel Congregation expressed determination to continue Jewish life in Jackson despite the attack, as Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to pursue severe penalties for the perpetrator. The synagogue’s president, Zach Shemper, confirmed plans to rebuild the historic institution, which has a rich history dating back to 1860 and has stood against acts of hate in the past. The community, along with state officials, condemned the antisemitic violence and called for justice to be served swiftly.
