The FBI revealed on Monday that a suspect involved in a fire at a historic Mississippi synagogue, previously targeted by the Ku Klux Klan, confessed to intentionally setting the fire due to its Jewish affiliation. Stephen Pittman, the 19-year-old suspect, was charged with maliciously damaging the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Miss. Pittman referred to the synagogue as “the synagogue of Satan” during his confession to his father, as stated in an FBI affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Mississippi.
Appearing in federal court via video conference from a hospital bed with bandaged hands, Pittman, a high school graduate with three college semesters completed, was assigned a public defender during his first appearance hearing on Monday. Prosecutors mentioned that he could face a prison sentence of five to 20 years if found guilty. When informed of his rights, Pittman declared, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Pittman is set to attend a preliminary and detention hearing on Jan. 20.
Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed prosecutors to push for severe penalties, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Beth Israel Congregation expressed determination in a statement to continue Jewish life in Jackson despite the hatred.
Suspect’s father informs authorities
No injuries were reported among congregants or firefighters when the fire broke out at around 3 a.m. on Saturday. Surveillance footage released by the synagogue depicted a masked individual using a gas can to ignite the fire in the lobby.
The blaze severely damaged the synagogue’s library and administrative offices, affecting five Torahs inside the sanctuary. Two Torahs were destroyed in the library, while one Holocaust-surviving Torah remained unharmed. The suspect’s father contacted the FBI after Pittman confessed to starting the fire and sent him a photo of the synagogue’s rear before the incident.
During questioning, Pittman disclosed purchasing gas at a gas station en route to the synagogue, removing his license plate, and breaking a window with an axe.
The synagogue building was cordoned off with yellow police tape on Monday, surrounded by debris and flowers left at the entrance with messages of condolence. The congregation’s president, Zach Shemper, affirmed plans to rebuild the synagogue, with several churches offering spaces for worship during the reconstruction period.
The synagogue, which also housed the Jewish Federation and the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, has a rich history. Founded in 1860, it faced bombings in the past due to its leaders’ advocacy for civil rights, notably Rabbi Perry Nussbaum, whose home was targeted for his stance against segregation and racism.
