Teen College Student Arrested After Setting Fire to Historic Synagogue

A 19-year-old Mississippi man has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to a historic Jewish synagogue that was once bombed by the Ku Klux Klan, authorities said.

Stephen Spencer Pittman, of Madison, Mississippi, was taken into custody Saturday evening, Jan. 10, in connection with the alleged arson of Beth Israel Congregation and the adjacent Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Federal officials say Pittman used gasoline to intentionally set the religious buildings on fire in the early morning hours, causing extensive damage that left the synagogue unusable indefinitely.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows a hooded individual inside the synagogue pouring liquid from what appeared to be a gasoline container before igniting the blaze.

Beth Israel Congregation was founded in 1860 and has occupied its current location since 1967. That same year, the synagogue was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan, making the latest alleged attack especially disturbing.

Citing an FBI affidavit, reports say Pittman allegedly laughed about the fire afterward, telling his father that “he finally got them” and referring to the synagogue as the “synagogue of Satan.” Authorities say he later told investigators he targeted the building because of its Jewish ties.

During the alleged arson, Pittman reportedly suffered burns to parts of his body. Officials said he drove himself to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries before being taken into custody.

The Jackson Fire Department responded to the scene and later determined the fire was intentionally set. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves condemned the incident, calling it a heinous act and noting that Beth Israel Congregation is among the oldest Jewish institutions in the state.

Due to extensive fire, smoke, and water damage, the synagogue is currently not usable for worship services.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Department of Justice will seek severe penalties, calling the alleged arson a disgusting act of anti-Semitic violence.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the incident as a targeted attack and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to protecting Jewish communities.

U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger said the alleged attack was disturbing and unacceptable, pledging to pursue the most serious charges supported by the evidence.

Pittman appeared in court Monday and was appointed a public defender. If convicted, he could face between five and 20 years in prison.

Beth Israel Congregation has since shared information for those wishing to contribute to rebuilding efforts, thanking supporters for their messages of solidarity as the investigation continues.