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A suspect has been taken into custody after a historic synagogue in Mississippi was badly damaged in a blaze that officials have labeled as an arson case.

Information Regarding the Fire

Officials report the blaze broke out in the early hours of Saturday at a local congregation in Jackson. No one was hurt as a result of the blaze.

Photographs taken at the location showed charred wreckage in an administrative office and the synagogue’s collection of books, where multiple Torah scrolls were either destroyed or damaged. The congregation and its leaders have vowed to rebuild the building.

“Acts of antisemitism, racial hatred, and hatred based on faith are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as acts of terror against the safety of our people and the right to practice religion freely,” said a city leader.

Investigation and Arrest

An investigation involving federal and local agencies led to the arrest. The suspect was detained but their name has not been released and potential charges remain unclear.

A Troubled Past

The congregation is the largest synagogue in the state and the only one located in this city. It was previously targeted in a 1960s explosion linked to the congregation’s involvement in civil rights efforts.

Reaction from Leaders

“We are thankful that there were no casualties, but this was not a random act – it was a premeditated assault on the Jewish people,” said a leading civil rights organization leader.

A former leader of the congregation noted that the community is still evaluating the complete scope of the destruction and has received messages of support from different religious groups.

Sacred Artifacts Affected

It was confirmed that one Torah that endured World War II was protected behind glass and was not harmed. However, five Torahs kept in the main hall are being checked for smoke damage, while two Torahs in the library were lost entirely.

Ash covered the sanctuary’s floors, walls and ceiling, and the building will require extensive repairs, including replacing carpeting and upholstered furnishings.

Determination to Restore

“We are devastated but prepared to reconstruct, and we are deeply grateful of the support shown by the community,” said a congregation representative.

A major Jewish organization released comments labeling the event as an act of fire-setting and stating the organization was “shocked and outraged”.

“Our community is strong and cannot be frightened. Our work will persist to cooperate with the authorities and our government representatives to guarantee our ability to live our lives in security and according to our faith,” the statement concluded.