In the predawn hours of Jan. 10, the Beth Israel synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, went up in flames. Not long after the incident, 19-year-old Stephen Spencer Pittman was arrested and charged with the crime. Why would a promising, young college baseball player allegedly ruin his life and light a house of worship on fire?
According to the Clarion Ledger, the affidavit reveals that “once Pittman was confronted by his father about what happened Saturday morning, Pittman confessed to the crime. Pittman also allegedly ‘laughed as he told his father what he did and said he finally got them.’”
These are both heartbreaking and chilling details. The young man was apparently so driven by antisemitism that he was proud of and amused by what he had done.
A quick look at Pittman’s social media shows a young man focused on sports and his Christian faith. He made frequent references to his religious beliefs and even posted Bible verses. Needless to say, his alleged crime is entirely incompatible with the faith he portrayed. Christians are called to love and not harm.
As reported by USA Today, the young man “referred to the synagogue as the ‘synagogue of Satan’” during a police interview. The term “synagogue of Satan” has been used by both Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes, two right-wing commentators who are clearly and unapologetically antisemitic. Both Owens and Fuentes have large followings that seem to be growing at an alarming rate. Many young men especially look up to Fuentes. And someone like Pittman is exactly the kind of person who falls prey to their preaching.
From all indications, Pittman had a healthy, loving upbringing. He was on the right track, making his way through college with a heart dedicated to sports and, from all appearances, committed to his faith. But a good family and faith foundation does not guarantee that a teenager won’t make poor decisions. Parents can do everything in their power to love and guide their children, but ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own actions.
Those who have objectionable or even downright dangerous views, such as Owens, Fuentes, and others, build platforms and gather fans. Young men and young women, on the Left and Right, can start to see these individuals as heroes. They encounter these provocateurs and either adopt their views entirely or feel as though someone finally understands them and their long-held beliefs. It is difficult to quantify just how powerful belonging is, especially for teenage minds looking to fit in. It is not surprising at all if this is the path Pittman took.
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The arson attack on the synagogue is just another in a long line of attacks on the Jewish community and its religious houses. Unfortunately, these attacks have increased in frequency. Antisemitism is now so mainstream that news of this nature is met with indifference or even celebration. It’s shocking that young and old minds alike are poisoned to such an extent that they view Jews as evil and will carry out acts of violence against them.
With one alleged act of hate, Pittman’s life is forever changed. It matters little if he grew up learning this hate. At some point, he apparently sought it out, liked it, and consumed it. These ideas allegedly affected him so much that he acted on them and destroyed his life as a result. This incident is a reminder that impressionable people can easily be swayed to commit the worst acts. It’s also a reminder that there are wolves out there who are all too eager to see others sacrifice themselves for a wicked cause.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a contributor to the Magnolia Tribune.