Suspect Arrested in Arson Attack on Historic Jackson Synagogue

Jackson, Mississippi — Authorities have arrested a suspect following a devastating predawn fire that heavily damaged Beth Israel Congregation, the state's largest and only synagogue in the capital city, on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The blaze erupted shortly after 3 a.m., rapidly spreading through the building's library and administrative offices on Old Canton Road. Firefighters from the Jackson Fire Department contained and extinguished the flames, but not before significant destruction occurred: charred ruins in key areas, several sacred Torah scrolls destroyed or damaged, and extensive smoke and soot covering the sanctuary.

No congregants or individuals were injured in the incident, which took place while the synagogue was closed and locked for the night. The Jackson Fire Department's Arson Investigation Division, working alongside the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, quickly ruled the fire intentional arson.

A suspect was taken into custody Saturday evening after being treated for non-life-threatening burn injuries at a local hospital. The individual's identity has not been publicly released, pending further investigation. The suspect faces state arson charges, with federal authorities expected to file additional charges once medically cleared. Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive, though the incident is being examined as a possible hate crime amid a broader national rise in antisemitic incidents.

This attack marks a painful chapter for Beth Israel, a Reform congregation founded in the 1860s and a cornerstone of Jewish life in Mississippi for over 160 years. The synagogue previously endured violence in September 1967, when Ku Klux Klan members bombed its offices and the home of Rabbi Perry Nussbaum in retaliation for his vocal support of the civil rights movement and aid to Freedom Riders. That bombing damaged similar areas — the library and administrative spaces — but caused no injuries, much like Saturday's fire.

Congregation President Zach Shemper expressed both devastation and determination in the aftermath. Standing amid the ashes, he emphasized the community's resilience: "We’re all devastated, but we are ready to rebuild, and with the support and outreach from our community, we will continue to be a vibrant Jewish community in Jackson, Mississippi."

The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, housed at Beth Israel, echoed this resolve, describing the synagogue as a "beloved institution" that will endure through neighborly fellowship. Local churches have already offered their spaces for upcoming services, including Shabbat observances.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn condemned the fire as an assault on religious freedom and community safety. "Acts of antisemitism, racism, and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as acts of terror against residents’ safety and freedom to worship," he stated. "Jackson stands with Beth Israel and the Jewish community, and we’ll do everything we can to support them and hold accountable anyone who tries to spread fear and hate here."

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, who highlighted its resonance with the synagogue's civil rights history and ongoing threats to Jewish institutions nationwide.

As the multi-agency investigation continues, congregants and leaders are assessing the full extent of the damage and planning reconstruction. For a small but enduring community — Mississippi's Jewish population numbers around 3,000 — the fire represents both tragedy and a renewed call for unity and vigilance.

17GEN4.com