A 19-year-old man accused of torching a historic Mississippi synagogue has entered a not guilty plea, setting the stage for a trial that could expose the growing wave of religious persecution plaguing communities across America.
Stephen Spencer Pittman appeared before Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac on Tuesday, denying charges that he deliberately set fire to the Beth Israel Congregation around 3 a.m. on January 10th. The blaze severely damaged the historic structure, though thankfully no one was injured in the attack.
Judge Isaac denied Pittman bond, keeping the suspected arsonist behind bars as investigators continue piecing together what drove someone to target a house of worship in the dead of night.
This disturbing incident highlights a troubling trend that patriots have been witnessing across the nation - attacks on religious institutions that seem to get buried by the mainstream media when they don't fit their preferred narrative. Where's the wall-to-wall coverage? Where are the breathless reports about rising religious intolerance?
Religious Freedom Under Attack
The Beth Israel Congregation represents more than just bricks and mortar - it's a symbol of America's founding principle of religious liberty. When someone torches a synagogue, church, or any house of worship, they're attacking the very foundation of what makes America great.
President Trump has consistently stood as a champion for religious freedom, and his administration's strong support for faith communities of all backgrounds stands in stark contrast to the previous administration's lukewarm response to similar incidents.
As this case moves forward, Americans must ask themselves: why aren't we seeing more federal resources devoted to protecting houses of worship? Why does it take a local magistrate to ensure justice moves forward while federal agencies seem more interested in targeting parents at school board meetings?
The people of Mississippi - and indeed all Americans who value religious liberty - deserve answers and justice. Will our institutions deliver both?