JACKSON, Miss. — The FBI announced that a suspect in the arson fire at the Beth Israel Congregation, a historic Jewish synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, admitted to intentionally targeting the building due to its Jewish ties. Stephen Spencer Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or explosives following his confession during a police interview, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court.
The fire occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday, ripping through the synagogue. Fortunately, no congregants or firefighters were injured in the blaze. Security camera footage from the synagogue captured a masked individual pouring a flammable liquid inside the building, leading to its substantial damage.
During his police interview, Pittman referred to the synagogue as the 'synagogue of Satan.' The suspect reportedly purchased fuel from a gas station prior to the incident, removed his vehicle's license plate, and used an ax to break a window to gain entry. He then allegedly set the fire with a torch lighter, as detailed in the affidavit.
FBI agents later recovered a burned cell phone belonging to Pittman and a hand torch found by a member of the congregation.
Despite the destruction, the Beth Israel community has expressed its commitment to rebuild. The synagogue's president, Zach Shemper, emphasized the fellowship of both the congregation and local community members who have offered support during this trying time. Historically, this institution has played a pivotal role in maintaining Jewish life in Jackson, housing vital resources for the local Jewish community.
The fire also brings to mind the dark chapters in the past, recalling when the Ku Klux Klan bombed the synagogue due to its rabbi's advocacy for civil rights. As the congregation faces this latest challenge, the resilience and determination to preserve their traditions stands firm.
The fire occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday, ripping through the synagogue. Fortunately, no congregants or firefighters were injured in the blaze. Security camera footage from the synagogue captured a masked individual pouring a flammable liquid inside the building, leading to its substantial damage.
During his police interview, Pittman referred to the synagogue as the 'synagogue of Satan.' The suspect reportedly purchased fuel from a gas station prior to the incident, removed his vehicle's license plate, and used an ax to break a window to gain entry. He then allegedly set the fire with a torch lighter, as detailed in the affidavit.
FBI agents later recovered a burned cell phone belonging to Pittman and a hand torch found by a member of the congregation.
Despite the destruction, the Beth Israel community has expressed its commitment to rebuild. The synagogue's president, Zach Shemper, emphasized the fellowship of both the congregation and local community members who have offered support during this trying time. Historically, this institution has played a pivotal role in maintaining Jewish life in Jackson, housing vital resources for the local Jewish community.
The fire also brings to mind the dark chapters in the past, recalling when the Ku Klux Klan bombed the synagogue due to its rabbi's advocacy for civil rights. As the congregation faces this latest challenge, the resilience and determination to preserve their traditions stands firm.
