Synagogue Arson Suspect’s Father Turns Him In
The father of a young man suspected of setting a synagogue on fire in Mississippi contacted the authorities after his son reportedly admitted the act and laughed about it, according to the FBI.
Steven Pittman, 19, faces federal charges for allegedly maliciously damaging or destroying a building through fire or explosives at Congregation Beth Israel in Jackson. This synagogue, with a history dating back 165 years, was also bombed by the Ku Klux Klan during the 1960s.
An FBI affidavit reveals that Pittman purportedly confessed to igniting the fire and referred to the building as the “Satan’s Synagogue.” His father grew concerned when he noticed burns on his son’s body and heard his confession, which led him to contact the FBI.
The affidavit states, “Pittman laughed and told his father what he had done and that he had finally gotten it,” as reported by WLBT-TV. Pittman made his initial court appearance via video from his hospital bed, showing bandaged hands.
If convicted, prosecutors indicate he could face a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years. Upon hearing about his rights from the judge, Pittman said, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”
The fire occurred just after 3 a.m. on a Saturday, causing significant damage to the synagogue’s offices and library, but luckily, no one was injured. Security footage captured a masked individual pouring liquid—a likely flammable substance—on the floor and couches in the lobby.
Investigators noted that before the fire, Pittman stopped to fill up gas and removed his car’s license plate. Allegedly, he broke a window with an ax, poured fuel inside the building, and ignited it with a lighter.
In the moments leading up to the incident, he texted his father a photo of the synagogue, mentioning something about a furnace inside. When his father suggested he come home, Pittman responded he felt confident about what he was about to do.
A burnt phone linked to Pittman was found at the scene, along with a hand torch discovered by a volunteer at the synagogue. While the fire destroyed two Torah books and five scrolls are being assessed for smoke damage, a separate Torah that survived the Holocaust was unharmed, according to the congregation.
Congregation Beth Israel expressed determination in continuing Jewish life in Jackson despite the attack, stating they remain “proudly and defiantly in the face of hatred.” Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that severe penalties should be pursued, condemning the act of anti-Semitic violence as unacceptable in the country.
