Mississippi
Grand jury adds charges against Stephen Pittman in Beth Israel synagogue arson
Watch as arsonist pours accelerant at Beth Israel Congregation synagogue
An arsonist poured accelerant at Beth Israel Congregation synagogue early Saturday morning Jan. 10, 2026. Beth Israel is the largest synagogue located in Jackson is the largest in Mississippi.
- Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, is accused of targeting Beth Israel Congregation because of its Jewish identity.
- The new charges of damaging religious property and using fire to commit a felony increase his potential prison time.
A federal grand jury has added two new charges against a Madison County man accused of setting fire to Jackson’s oldest synagogue, significantly increasing the potential prison time he faces if convicted.
Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, now faces federal charges of damaging religious property and using fire to commit a felony. This is in addition to an earlier federal arson charge tied to the Jan. 10 fire at Beth Israel Congregation.
Pittman also faces a state charge of first-degree arson enhanced under Mississippi’s hate crime statute. Any state sentence would be in addition to any federal punishment if he is convicted.
Pittman is alleged to have broken into the synagogue on Old Canton Road around 3 a.m., used gasoline to ignite portions of the building and caused significant damage, including to the synagogue’s library.
Investigators allege Pittman targeted the synagogue because of its Jewish identity. According to a federal affidavit, Pittman referred to Beth Israel as the “synagogue of Satan” and told investigators he set the fire because of the congregation’s “Jewish ties.”
Authorities say Pittman later confessed to his father, allegedly laughing and saying he “finally got them,” according to court records. Court filings also state Pittman suffered burns to his ankles, hands and face during the fire. Hours later, investigators say Pittman posted a Snapchat photo from a hospital bed showing apparent burn injuries. Pittman later pleaded not guilty.
Security footage and court records allege Pittman used an axe to break a window, poured gasoline inside the building and used a torch lighter to start the fire. Pittman is said to have purchased gasoline at a Ridgeland convenience store and removed his license plate before driving to the synagogue.
If convicted on all federal counts, Pittman could face up to 50 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines. Prosecutors have also filed notice they intend to seek criminal forfeiture of property allegedly used in the crime or obtained through it.
Beth Israel Congregation is Jackson’s oldest synagogue, dating to before the Civil War. In 1967, the Ku Klux Klan bombed the temple office and the home of Rabbi Perry Nussbaum, though no one was killed.
Pittman is currently being held at the Madison County Jail. A federal hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18 before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac.
Charlie Drape is the Jackson beat reporter. Contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.