JACKSON, Mississippi − A suspect connected to the alleged arson at a historic synagogue told federal authorities that he lit the fire due to "the building's Jewish ties," according to a federal affidavit filed Jan. 12.
The affidavit identifies the suspect in the blaze at Beth Israel Congregation synagogue as Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19. A criminal complaint states that he is charged with arson of property used in interstate commerce. A Jan. 12 news release from Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said that more charges could be filed pending the ultimate outcome of the investigation.
In an interview with law enforcement on the day of the fire, Pittman referred to the synagogue as the "synagogue of Satan" and that he told his father "he finally got them," the affidavit says.
The fire occurred around 3 a.m. Jan. 10, at the historic synagogue. Security camera footage released later by the synagogue showed a masked and hooded person, now alleged to be Pittman, using a gas container to pour a liquid on the floor and a couch in the building's lobby.
The Jackson Fire Department responded and was able to contain and extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported. An administrative office and library were charred in the fire, according to multiple reports, and several Torahs, Jewish holy texts rolled into large scrolls, were ruined or damaged.
