US EditionMississippi Synagogue Arson Suspect Faces New Hate-Crime-Related Charge
Spencer Pittman faces up to 60 years after setting fire to Beth Israel Congregation, with authorities citing a hate-crime motive linked to the synagogue's Jewish identity.
- Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens said a grand jury indicted Spencer Pittman, 19, on first-degree arson with a hate-crime enhancement for attacking Beth Israel Congregation.
- Three days after the fire at Beth Israel Congregation, Pittman told authorities he targeted the building because of its Jewish ties, and federal charges preceded the state indictment.
- Investigators say Spencer Pittman bought gasoline at Mac's Gas, Ridgeland, changed his license plate, broke a synagogue window, poured gasoline inside, and ignited it before seeking treatment at University of Mississippi Medical Center.
- The blaze left the Beth Israel Congregation's library and offices heavily damaged, but Sarah Thomas, first vice president and congregant, said `We are a very strong and resilient Jewish community here, and regardless of where we meet, we are going to continue to be strong.`
- Pittman is scheduled to appear later this month in federal court; prosecutors say state sentences would be separate, with Mississippi law prescribing arson penalties and restitution.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Local churches aid Beth Israel after arson attack
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) - In the wake of an arson attack at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, there has been support from across the faith community. Parkway Hills United Methodist Church has stepped up to help Beth Israel. When members began asking how they could help after the fire on January 10, 2026, church leaders [...]
Delta Democrat-Times
The Northside rallies behind Beth Israel
In yet another sign of the times, a deranged teenager torched the Beth Israel Synagogue in the heart of northeast Jackson. I have been to the beautiful synagogue many times for seminars and funerals. I am heartbroken by this. I am confident my sentiment is shared by almost every Northsider.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Cleveland Jewish NewsDeborah Lipstadt has second thoughts about tying Jackson synagogue arsonist to ‘Globalize the Intifada’
As news broke over the weekend of an arson attack that heavily damaged the only synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, a few prominent individuals connected the culprit to pro-Palestinian activism. “This is a major tragedy. But it’s more than that,” Deborah Lipstadt, formerly the State Department’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, wrote on the social network X. “It’s an arson attack and another step in the globalization of the intifada.” Later,…
Mississippi synagogue arson suspect faces new hate-crime-related charge
In addition to texting his father from the scene of the crime, the FBI said the 19-year-old suspect also confessed to him. Spencer Pittman said he burned the building because of its Jewish ties and called it the "synagogue of Satan."
Hinds Co. grand jury indicts suspected Beth Israel arsonist
Hinds Co. grand jury indicts suspected Beth Israel arsonist JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A man already facing federal charges in connection with setting the Beth Israel Congregation building on fire is now facing state charges. On Tuesday, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens announced that Spencer Pittman, 19, had been indicted by a Hinds County grand jury on first-degree arson charges. Those charges are also being enhanced with a hate crime en…
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