Home / Crime and Justice / Mississippi Synagogue Torched by Suspect Citing 'Jewish Ties'
Mississippi Synagogue Torched by Suspect Citing 'Jewish Ties'
12 Jan
Summary
- Suspect Stephen Spencer Pittman arrested for synagogue arson.
- Pittman admitted to the act due to the synagogue's Jewish ties.
- The historic Beth Israel Congregation suffered significant damage.
Stephen Spencer Pittman, a 19-year-old from Madison, Mississippi, has been arrested and charged with arson for setting fire to the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson.
Pittman confessed to investigators that he targeted the historic synagogue, which was founded in 1860, due to its "Jewish ties." He referred to the building as the "synagogue of Satan." The fire, which occurred early Saturday morning, caused significant damage to the library and administrative offices, and destroyed or damaged several scrolls.
Security footage showed a masked individual pouring gasoline before the fire. Pittman purchased the gasoline and removed his vehicle's license plate. His father alerted authorities. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening burns and will face further legal proceedings. This incident follows a previous bombing of the synagogue by the KKK in 1967.
