Congressman Thompson Calls for Federal Hate Crime Charges After Jackson Synagogue Arson

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement condemning the alleged arson at Beth Israel Synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi:

"Beth Israel has been part of the community for generations. The synagogue has long stood for civil and human rights, said Congressman Thompson. A house of worship was damaged by an act of antisemitism and such hatred has no place in our communities. We are a better country and community of people. I stand with the Jewish community in Jackson and remain committed to protecting the freedom to worship in peace."

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 a.m., the Jackson Fire Department responded to a 911 call to address a fire at the Beth Israel synagogue. The synagogue was founded in 1860 and is the state's first and largest synagogue.

Local authorities, in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have charged suspect Stephen Spencer Pittman with arson.

"I encourage the FBI to investigate this incident as a federal hate crime," Thompson added. "This community rejects violence, and the individual responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."