Federal and state criminal proceedings arising from an antisemitic arson attack on the Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, on 2026-01-10. Defendant Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, of Madison, Mississippi, allegedly broke a window, entered the building, poured gasoline in the library area (near the site of a 1967 KKK bombing), and ignited it, causing extensive damage including destruction of Torah scrolls, prayer books, library, and offices; the sanctuary sustained smoke damage but walls are structurally sound. Pittman confessed to investigators the same day, citing the building's 'Jewish ties' and calling it the 'synagogue of Satan'; he had scorched hands and texted his father about his 'research'. The building also houses or is connected to the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life. Federal case in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi: initial indictment ~2026-01-15 (one count 18 U.S.C. § 844(i) arson); superseding three-count indictment 2026-02-10 adding 18 U.S.C. § 247 (damage to religious property due to religious character) and § 844(h) (use of fire in federal felony). Pittman pleaded not guilty 2026-01-20 to initial charge and 2026-02-18 (waived appearance) to superseding; bond denied by U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac (detention hearing 2026-01-20) as danger to community; trial postponed to 2026-04-06 before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate. State case: Hinds County grand jury indicted 2026-01-13 on first-degree arson of place of worship with hate crime enhancement (5-30 years possible). Prosecutors: AUSA Matt Allen, Jonathan Buckner; Civil Rights Division Taylor Payne.