Arson Suspect Targeted Mississippi Synagogue for ‘Jewish Ties,’ Laughed During Confession: FBI

Smoldered remains of the Beth Israel Congregation’s library. Photo: Screenshot.

The suspect believed to have intentionally ignited a catastrophic fire which decimated the Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi has told US federal investigators he targeted the institution over its “Jewish ties,” according to an affidavit the FBI has submitted to federal court.

Stephen Pittman, the FBI said in portions of the affidavit made public on Monday, “was identified as a...