The federal government announced new civil rights and arson charges against Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, who is accused of setting fire on Jan. 10 to Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Miss.
Pittman allegedly “used gasoline to set fire to the religious building,” the city’s only synagogue, causing “extensive damage to a significant portion of the building” and rendering “it inoperable for an indefinite period of time,” the U.S. Department of Justice said, announcing a superseding indictment on Thursday.
The suspect was arrested after confessing to his father, who called the FBI.
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on houses of worship,” stated Harmeet Dhillon, assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights.
Pittman was charged in a three-count indictment, which included arson and damaging religious property.
