Name: Mississippis oldest synagogue targeted in arson attack
Uploaded: 2026-01-12T01:17:02.508Z
Duration: 1 min 55 s
Description: A suspect is in custody after the oldest synagogue in Mississippi, and the only synagogue in the city of Jackson, was set on fire in a suspected arson attack. Shanelle Kaul has more.

A suspect is in custody after the oldest synagogue in Mississippi, and the only synagogue in the city of Jackson, was set on fire in a suspected arson attack. Shanelle Kaul has more.

Mississippi

Authorities in Mississippi are investigating an arson attack at the state's oldest and only synagogue in Jackson. The FBI and local officials are treating the incident as a possible hate crime, and a suspect is currently in custody with non-life-threatening burns.

The fire destroyed several torahs, the synagogue's library, and administrative offices, but no members were injured. The synagogue president expressed gratitude for community support and stated that the congregation, which has served Jackson for over 160 years, is determined to rebuild.

Mississippi's oldest synagogue targeted in arson attack

to Mississippi now and what the FBI and local authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime. Tonight, a suspect is in custody after the oldest synagogue in the state and only synagogue in the city of Jackson was attacked. CBS' Shanelle Call joins us with the latest details. Shanelle. And, Jerrika, this same synagogue was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan back in 1967. Now, nearly six decades later, it is once again at the center of a hate crime investigation. Attack against the synagogue is an attack against all of us. Words of solidarity from the Jackson Fire Department after flames tore through this Mississippi synagogue. Authorities say the house of worship was intentionally targeted in the early hours of Saturday morning. Responding firefighters saw flames shooting out the windows. No members of the synagogue were injured in the blaze. But according to the Anti-Defamation League, multiple torahs were destroyed, along with the synagogue's library and administrative offices. We know that the investigators are diligently working to make a determination. The FBI has a suspect in custody, and Jackson's chief of fire investigations says that person sustained non-life-threatening burns. The FBI is investigating the arson as a possible hate crime, but have not released a suspect's name. Synagogue President Zach Schemper released a statement thanking the wider community and saying in part, Beth Israel Congregation has been the Jewish spiritual home in Jackson, Mississippi, for over 160 years. We are devastated, but ready to rebuild. Jackson's mayor says the city will do everything it can to support this congregation, adding that anyone who tries to spread fear or hate will be held accountable.

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