JACKSON – A fire that damaged parts of Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson was intentionally set, and a 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged with arson, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Jackson Fire Department crews responded in the early morning hours Saturday, Jan. 10, to a structure fire at the synagogue. Fire investigators later determined the blaze was intentionally set.
Authorities said the fire caused significant damage to administrative and library areas of the building, including damage to religious materials. Due to fire, smoke and water damage, the building is currently not usable for services.
Officials identified the suspect as Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19. Authorities said Pittman later went to the University of Mississippi Medical Center with non-life-threatening burn injuries and was taken into custody. He has been charged with arson, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The investigation is being led by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Jackson Fire Department Arson Unit, and the Jackson Police Department. Officials said state charges will be pursued at an appropriate time in addition to any federal charges.
Beth Israel Congregation, founded in 1860, is one of Mississippi’s oldest Jewish institutions.
Gov. Tate Reeves condemned the fire and said the state would support the investigation.
“Mississippi stands with the members of Beth Israel Congregation, this heinous act will never be tolerated, and the perpetrator should face the full and solemn weight of their actions. I have directed the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to support our federal law enforcement partners in any manner necessary as they investigate this horrible situation and pursue state charges.”
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell also said officials plan to pursue charges at both the state and federal levels.
He stated, “This type of violence will not be tolerated in Mississippi. The Department of Public Safety is fully engaged and working with our local and federal partners to ensure those responsible are held accountable. We will pursue charges at both the state and federal levels to see that justice is served.”
The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
If you want to support Beth Israel Congregation’s rebuilding efforts, you can click the link below.
