Suspect admits to arson attack on synagogue in Mississippi due to its ‘Jewish ties,’ FBI says

Stephen Spencer Pittman’s father called the FBI after his 19-year-old son admitted to setting fire intentionally to the only synagogue in Jackson, Miss., according to an affidavit that a federal agent filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Pittman admitted to the Jan. 10 arson attack on Beth Israel Congregation and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life “due to the building’s Jewish ties,” according to the FBI agent.

“The fire resulted in extensive damage to a significant portion of the building and rendered it inoperable for an indefinite period of time,” per the affidavit. The agent added that a hooded person was captured on surveillance footage “walking in the interior of the building pouring contents from what appeared to be a gas container.”