Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, Arrested for Arson of Mississippi’s Largest Synagogue

A Mississippi college student has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to one of the state’s oldest and largest Jewish institutions, authorities said.

Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, of Madison, Mississippi, was taken into custody Saturday evening, January 10, in connection with the arson of the Beth Israel Congregation and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, according to a United States Department of Justice press release.

Pittman is accused of pouring gasoline inside the synagogue, causing extensive damage that has rendered the building unusable indefinitely. CCTV footage reportedly shows an individual in a hooded top inside the synagogue pouring liquid from what appeared to be a gasoline container. Officials say Pittman suffered burn injuries during the act and went to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment before being taken into custody.

History of the Congregation and Alleged Motive

Founded in 1860, Beth Israel Congregation has been at its current location since 1967. It was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan shortly after moving to the site, highlighting its history of being targeted for hate crimes.

Footage of person setting fire to a religious building in Mississippi.

According to an FBI affidavit reported by ABC 7 NY, Pittman allegedly laughed about the attack, telling his father, “he finally got them,” and referred to the synagogue as the “synagogue of Satan.” Investigators say he admitted targeting the site because of its Jewish affiliation.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves condemned the act as “heinous” and confirmed that fire, smoke, and water damage have made the building temporarily unusable. The Jackson Fire Department determined the blaze to be intentional.

Federal Response and Legal Proceedings

Attorney General Pam Bondi called the attack “a disgusting act of anti-Semitic violence” and pledged that the Department of Justice will pursue severe penalties. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that “every American has a fundamental right to live and worship free from violence and fear,” and said the FBI will hold accountable anyone who targets Jewish communities.

Arson of Beth Israel and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life.

Arson of Beth Israel and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life.

U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger described the attack as a “hateful, anti-Semitic attack” and vowed to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

Pittman, an honor-roll student and baseball enthusiast who had completed three semesters of college, appeared in court Monday and was appointed a public defender. If convicted, he could face five to 20 years in prison.

Beth Israel Congregation shared a Facebook post on January 11 inviting donations to support rebuilding efforts, writing, “We thank you deeply for your love and support.”