Suspect Arrested After Fire Damages Jackson Synagogue (Full Transcript)

Name: Suspect Arrested After Fire Damages Jackson Synagogue
Uploaded: 2026-01-13T05:03:35+00:00
Channel: GoTranscript
Description: FBI arrests 19-year-old accused of setting fire at Beth Israel in Jackson, citing antisemitic motive; synagogue previously targeted in 1967 KKK bombing.

FBI arrests 19-year-old accused of setting fire at Beth Israel in Jackson, citing antisemitic motive; synagogue previously targeted in 1967 KKK bombing.

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[00:00:00] Speaker 1: Surveillance video shared by Beth Israel Congregation shows a suspect pouring liquid that later caught fire and caused severe damage inside the Jackson, Mississippi Synagogue. The FBI announced they've arrested a suspect for starting a fire, who admitted to authorities he did it because of the temple's, quote, Jewish ties. According to the complaint, 19-year-old Steven Spencer Pitman called the temple the Synagogue of Satan. The AP reported the defendant said Jesus Christ is Lord when the judge read him his rites. In 1967, the same synagogue was bombed by local KKK members, in part because of the congregation's work in the civil rights movement, according to the synagogue's website. According to the complaint, the suspect's father turned him in to the authorities. Prosecutors said Pitman could face five to 20 years in prison if convicted as charged. CNN has reached out to the public defender representing Pitman for comment.

Summary

Surveillance footage from Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi shows a suspect pouring liquid that later ignited, causing significant damage inside the synagogue. The FBI arrested 19-year-old Steven Spencer Pitman, who allegedly admitted he set the fire because of the temple’s Jewish ties, reportedly calling it the “Synagogue of Satan.” The suspect’s father reportedly alerted authorities. Pitman faces 5–20 years in prison if convicted; his public defender has not yet commented. The synagogue was previously bombed in 1967 by KKK members, partly due to its civil rights involvement.

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Title

FBI Arrests Suspect in Jackson Synagogue Arson Case

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Keywords

Jackson Mississippi Remove

Beth Israel Congregation Remove

synagogue fire Remove

arson

FBI arrest Remove

Steven Spencer Pitman Remove

antisemitism Remove

hate crime Remove

civil rights history Remove

KKK bombing 1967 Remove

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Sentiments

Negative: The passage centers on an alleged antisemitic arson attack and historical violence against the synagogue, emphasizing harm, criminal charges, and fear/hostility.

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Quizzes

Question 1:
What did authorities say was the alleged motive for the synagogue fire?
A dispute over property taxes
The temple’s Jewish ties
An accident during renovations
Retaliation for a sports rivalry
Correct Answer:
The temple’s Jewish ties

Question 2:
Who reportedly turned the suspect in to authorities?
A congregant
The suspect’s father
A local journalist
A security guard
Correct Answer:
The suspect’s father

Question 3:
What historical event involving the same synagogue was mentioned?
It was relocated after a flood in 1979
It was bombed in 1967 by KKK members
It hosted a presidential debate in 1968
It was destroyed in a tornado in 1966
Correct Answer:
It was bombed in 1967 by KKK members

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