Jackson Synagogue Torched; Suspect Admits Anti‑Jewish Motive Monday
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60-Second Summary
Jackson, Mississippi — Law enforcement arrested a 19-year-old suspect after an arson on Saturday, Jan. 10, damaging Beth Israel, the city’s only synagogue. Authorities said security footage showed a masked person pouring an accelerant, and the FBI filed an affidavit saying the suspect admitted targeting the building because of its “Jewish ties.” Firefighters contained the blaze; no congregants or firefighters were injured. Investigators charged Stephen Spencer Pittman with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by fire; federal agencies continue to investigate. Congregation leaders pledged to rebuild and community groups condemned the attack. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
About this summary
This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 9 original reports from NewsChannel 3-12, Jackson Advocate, KSTU, Internewscast Journal, thepeterboroughexaminer.com, Brandon Sun, PBS.org, Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette and Dallas Express.
Timeline of Events
- Over 160 years: Beth Israel established in 1860 and served Jackson’s Jewish community.
- 1967: Temple previously bombed by Ku Klux Klan amid civil rights tensions.
- Jan. 10: Early-morning arson damaged library and administrative areas; firefighters contained blaze.
- Jan. 11–12: Security footage released; suspect taken into custody and treated for burns.
- Following Monday: FBI affidavit reports suspect admitted targeting synagogue for its 'Jewish ties'; suspect charged and appeared in federal court.
- Articles Published:
- 11
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 2
- Neutral:
- 8
- Distribution:
- Left 18%, Center 73%, Right 9%
Law enforcement agencies and community organizations benefited by quickly identifying a suspect, prompting federal cooperation, public condemnation, and mobilization of support and resources for the synagogue's recovery.
Beth Israel congregation, local Jewish community members, and religious institutions suffered physical loss, cultural damage, emotional trauma, and temporary disruption of worship services.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR JOHN HORHN ON THE BETH ISRAEL FIRE - Jackson Advocate
Jackson Advocate Jackson AdvocateFrom Center
Jackson Synagogue Torched; Suspect Admits Anti‑Jewish Motive Monday
NewsChannel 3-12 KSTU Internewscast Journal thepeterboroughexaminer.com Brandon Sun PBS.org thepeterboroughexaminer.com Northwest Arkansas Democrat GazetteFrom Right
19 year old arson suspect confesses to torching Mississippi's largest synagogue
Dallas Express
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