JACKSON, Mississippi — Federal and state authorities are continuing their investigation into an arson attack that severely damaged Beth Israel Congregation, Mississippi’s oldest and largest synagogue, in Jackson, officials said.
The fire broke out in the early morning hours of Jan. 10, 2026, at the historic synagogue, which was founded in 1860 and is the only Jewish house of worship in the state capital. Fire investigators determined the blaze was intentionally set, causing significant damage to administrative offices, a library and religious materials.
Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, of Madison, Mississippi, was arrested and charged with arson and civil rights violations. Authorities said he admitted to targeting the building because of its Jewish ties and referred to it as a “synagogue of Satan” in statements to investigators.
Pittman sustained non-life-threatening burn injuries and was taken into custody after seeking medical treatment. Surveillance footage showed a masked individual pouring a liquid, believed to be gasoline, inside the building before igniting it, according to court documents.
No congregants or firefighters were injured in the incident. The synagogue has been closed for repairs due to fire, smoke and water damage.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are leading the federal investigation, with assistance from the Jackson Fire Department, Jackson Police Department and other agencies. A superseding indictment in February charged Pittman with additional offenses related to the attack on the synagogue and the nearby Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life.
Beth Israel Congregation has faced previous attacks, including a bombing in 1967 attributed to the Ku Klux Klan. Community leaders and Jewish organizations have condemned the latest incident as an act of antisemitism.
"Additional charges may be forthcoming pending the ultimate outcome of the investigation," officials from the Mississippi governor’s office stated shortly after the fire.
As of Thursday, Pittman remains in custody and court proceedings are ongoing. The synagogue community has expressed determination to rebuild, while authorities continue to review evidence and pursue any potential additional charges. Details on the timeline for repairs and full reopening remain unclear.
