Mississippi Arson Suspect Laughs in Confession to Torching Synagogue Over ‘Jewish Ties,’ FBI Reveals
Jackson, Mississippi – A 19-year-old Mississippi man confessed to setting fire to the state’s largest synagogue, laughing as he boasted to his father that he “finally got them” and referring to the building as the “synagogue of Satan,” according to an FBI criminal complaint filed in federal court.[1][4]
Stephen Spencer Pittman faces federal charges of maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive after the early morning blaze on January 10, 2026, ravaged Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson. The fire caused extensive damage, destroying two sacred Torah scrolls, damaging five others, and rendering the historic structure inoperable indefinitely.[2][3][4]
Confession Corroborated by Father, Tech Data, and Injuries
Pittman’s own father alerted the FBI after his son confessed to the arson, providing key evidence that unraveled the case within hours. According to the FBI affidavit, Pittman texted his father photos from the synagogue scene, including one of the rear of the building captioned “There’s a furnace in the back,” and messages like “My plate is off” – referring to removing his license plate – and “Hoodie is on.”[1][3]
The father pleaded with Pittman to return home, but the suspect replied he was “due for a homerun” and had “done my research.” Later that morning, confronting his son about burns on his ankles, hands, and face, the father heard Pittman laugh and declare, “I finally got them.”[1][4][5]
Investigators corroborated the confession through multiple sources: Life360 tracking data on Pittman’s phone showed him traveling from Madison County to a gas station, then to the synagogue; security footage captured a hooded figure pouring liquid from a gas canister inside the building around 3 a.m.; and authorities recovered a burned cell phone and hand torch from the scene, believed to be Pittman’s.[1][2][3]
Antisemitic Motive: ‘Due to the Building’s Jewish Ties’
During interrogation by the FBI, Jackson Fire Department, and Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Pittman admitted stopping at a gas station for fuel, using an ax to break a window, pouring gasoline on the lobby floor and couch, and igniting it with a torch lighter. He explicitly confessed to lighting the fire “due to the building’s Jewish ties” and derisively called it the “synagogue of Satan.”[1][4][5]
Pittman also admitted catching himself on fire during the act, consistent with his injuries treated at a local hospital, which tipped off investigators.[2][4]
Synagogue’s History of Hate and Vow to Rebuild
Beth Israel Congregation, home to about 150 families, has a painful history of antisemitic attacks. In 1967, the Ku Klux Klan bombed the home of Rabbi Perry Nussbaum and firebombed an empty house in retaliation for his civil rights activism. The synagogue has also faced prior fires and bomb threats.[1]
Congregation President Zach Shemper expressed shock but defiance in statements to media outlets. “Crazy things happen all over the world and nothing really hits home until it actually hits directly home,” Shemper told Mississippi Public Broadcasting. He noted the destruction of the library, administrative offices, lobby, and Tree of Life plaque, but highlighted that a Holocaust-surviving Torah was spared by its glass case.[2][5]
“We are grateful that he was apprehended so quickly and he appears to have admitted to committing this heinous act out of hatred for the Jewish people. This news puts a face and name to this tragedy, but does not change our resolve to proudly – even defiantly – continue Jewish life in Jackson in the face of hatred.”
– Beth Israel Congregation statement[5]
Shemper affirmed the community’s resilience: “We are a resilient people. With support from our community, we will rebuild.” Several local churches have offered their spaces for worship during repairs.[3][5]
Investigation and Charges
The Jackson Fire Department filed state arson charges Saturday evening, with federal authorities now pursuing hate crime enhancements. No injuries occurred among congregants or firefighters, and the quick arrest prevented worse outcomes.[2][3]
Yellow police tape cordoned off the soot-covered building Monday, surrounded by broken glass and bouquets of flowers, including one reading, “I’m so very sorry.”[3]
Broader Context of Rising Antisemitism
This attack comes amid heightened concerns over antisemitic incidents across the U.S. The synagogue’s leadership emphasized continuing services and programs at alternate locations, underscoring their commitment to Jewish life in Mississippi despite targeted hatred.[5]
Authorities continue investigating, with the FBI’s Jackson office coordinating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).[2]