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Who radicalized the Mississippi synagogue arsonist?

By Salena Zito
Published January 12, 2026 10:07pm ET
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Who radicalized the Mississippi synagogue arsonist?
Damage from the alleged arson attack at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, the only synagogue in the city and the largest in the state. Photo courtesy of Beth Israel.

Hate found its way to Mississippi’s largest Jewish house of worship, Congregation Beth Israel, when an arsonist intentionally set fire to the synagogue at about 3 a.m. Saturday, damaging the only synagogue in Jackson.

The alleged suspect’s name, Stephen Spencer Pittman, was released late Monday. According to the FBI, he faces charges of maliciously damaging or destroying a building by fire or an explosive.

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Antisemitism Candace Owens Mississippi synagogue