Arson at Mississippi's oldest synagogue spurs federal and state charges against 19-year-old
Authorities say a 19-year-old man set fire to the Beth Israel Congregation’s library in Jackson, Mississippi, causing extensive damage; investigators say he confessed after his father alerted the FBI and evidence, including Life360 location data, corroborated the confession. He faces a federal arson charge and a state hate-crime enhancement, with potential prison time if convicted. The fire was classified as incendiary and started in the library, forcing the synagogue to remain closed for up to a year while repairs are planned. The attack is being treated as antisemitic violence, with community support and local churches offering space as the congregation rebuilds.