Police in Mississippi have arrested the person they allege set the fire that completely destroyed an historic Jewish synagogue - which was once bombed by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, was arrested on Saturday, January 10, for an arson attack of Beth Israel Congregation that also impacted the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life building, both in Jackson, the United States Department of Justice revealed in a press conference issued Monday, January 12. Pittman allegedly used gasoline to set the blaze, which caused substantial damage to the buildings. Police did obtain CCTV footage from inside the synagogue that allegedly caught the perpetrator in the act. They said he was wearing a hooded top and pouring liquid from what appeared to be a gasoline container. Beth Israel Congregation was founded back in 1860. It has existed in its current location since 1967. That year, on September 18, a bomb planted by the Ku Klux Klan was detonated. An FBI affidavit obtained by ABC News reported that the suspect "allegedly laughed about the attack," and later told his father that "he finally got them." He also allegedly referred to the place of worship as the "synagogue of Satan." Pittman allegedly told investigators he set the fire at the religious site because it had "Jewish ties," CNN reported. Police said the arsonist was caught on camera Department of Justice Pittman is said to have received serious burns to parts of his body as a result of the fire. He checked himself into the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment, where he was also detained by police. The Jackson Fire Department extinguished the blaze and later determined the blaze was intentional. Everything We Know So Far About the Bondi Beach Hanukkah Celebration Shooting Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves condemned the "heinous" attack and noted the Beth Israel Congregation is one of Mississippi's oldest Jewish institutions. Fire, smoke, and water damage has rendered the building unsafe for use. U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi called the "hateful, anti-Semitic attack" at Beth Israel Congregation both "disturbing and unacceptable," and he added that "Mississippians may rest assured that my office will not stand idly by when violence and intimidation threaten our community. We will seek the most serious charges warranted by the evidence and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law." The Anti-Defamation League's South Central Regional Office issued a statement saying it was "aware and horrified" of the attack, but thankful that no one was injured. The office noted that the Ku Klux Klan bombing was motivated by Rabbi Perry Nussbaum's civil rights advocacy. This latest attack is "particularly painful and disturbing," the ADL said. ADL's CEO Johnathan Greenblatt reposted the office's statement on X, calling it a reminder that antisemitic violence is on the rise and needs to be condemned. Pittman reportedly completed three semesters of college prior to his arrest. He has been appointed a public defender, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, January 13. If convicted, Pittman could face five years to 20 years in prison. In a post to Facebook on Sunday, January 11, the synagogue shared a link for those who wish to contribute to rebuilding efforts. "We thank you deeply for your love and support," the post read.